Soil health and nutrient management

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Research outcomes: Soil health is improved with a resulting positive impact on the environment and yield growth. Improved reputation and relationship between industry and environmental groups.

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Soil compaction studies - Mossman
(1975) Hurney, AP
Study was initiated to investigate the effects of the different bin transport systems on soil compaction. Compaction under dry soil conditions does not appear to be a serious problem and can ve overcome by cultivation. Compactive effects are more marked under wet soil conditions and there are indications of residual effects following cultivation.
Progress report on BSES and WRC studies of water quality in Woongarra-Pemberton area - July 1981
(1981)
This report summarizes results of a pot trial comparing bore and surface water; co-operative monitoring of water-table levels with the Water Resources Commission; field trials with various ameliorants; and a field survey of yields and various management factors in the problem area and other neighbouring areas.
Report on follow-up visit technical exchange program Malaysian sugar industry 15 to 31 January 1983
(1983) Stephens, RM
Evaluation of the effects of rare earth elements on sugarcane in North Queensland
(1989) Reghenzani, JR
During 1988 BSES submitted a proposal to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering for partial funding of a research project to investigate the response of sugarcane in North Queensland to rare earth elements. Muswellbrook Energy and Minerals Ltd. agreed to provide the funding required and they succeeded in importing a sample of the Chinese soluble rare earth product, "Nongle". BSES received 200g of the imported product, which was sufficient to establish four field trials. An earlier 10g sample of "nongle" provided by Prof. C. Asher of the University of Queensland was used subsequently in the glasshouse studies.
Soil constraints to productivity improvement
(1990) Croft, BJ; Magarey, RC; Hurney, AP; Reghenzani, JR
Yields of most crops are known to decrease if that crop is grown continuously without fallowing or rotation with other crop species. Sugarcane has been grown continuously on many fields in Queensland for 50-100 years. As early as 1934 soil-borne factors which restricted root and shoot growth were identified in fields which had grown sugarcane for a number of years. During the 1970s nematodes were found to be causing serious losses in Bundaberg on certain soil types and a serious root disease complex known as poor root syndrome was identified in northern Queensland. During the 1980s intensive research into poor root syndrome identified the important new disease Pachymetra root rot and a number of minor fungal pathogens. Poor root syndrome has been identified in all regions of Queensland and general poor root health has been noted in all soils which have grown sugarcane for a number of years. Yield increases of 50-100% were obtained in areas severely affected by poor root syndrome in northern Queensland by soil fumigation with methyl bromide and metham sodium, and by soil solarisation. Recent experiments have recorded yield responses of 20-40% to methyl bromide fumigation in all major sugarcane regions. These experiments suggested that yield losses due to soil-borne factors may be greatly restricting yields throughout the sugar industry. Research to identify the causes of the yield losses has commenced and progress to date is summarised in this paper.
Evaluation of biostil dunder and mixtures with nitrogen fertilisers for sugarcane nutrition
(1990) Chapman, LS; Usher, JF
The aims of this project were: (a) to measure the cane and sugar yield responses from the application of biostil dunder on its own and in mixtures with nitrogen fertilisers in field trials; and (b) to assess the suitability of these treatments for sugarcane nutrition. These treatments relate to a possible management strategy on cane farms, ie to broadcast sufficient phosphorus fertiliser on fallow land for the crop cycle, and then use a mixture of dunder and nitrogen fertilisers to provide the total N and K requirements for each crop in a single field application.
The effect of zinc deficiency as a factor limiting sugarcane growth (SRC Project BS14S - Final Report)
(1990) Reghenzani, JR
Results from this project confirm that substantial yield responses to zinc application can be expected in deficient soils in North Queensland. Deficiency is commonly associated with lime application. Three soil and two foliar analytical techniques have been evaluated for detecting zinc deficiency. Currently used critical levels for zinc in cane third leaves have been confirmed as the most reliable index of deficiency. The carbonic anhydrase assay on fresh leaf extracts shows promise for measuring active zinc and providing a rapid and reliable foliar index of zinc deficiency. Critical levels for soil zinc have been established for the standard DTPA extract and for two hydrochloric acid extracts. Both acid extracts are more reliable than the DTPA extract.
Consequences of future management options for the Bremerhaven drainage system.
(1991) Kingston, G
The following questions were referred to BSES by the Woongoolba Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee: (1) The possible short and long-term effect on all classes of land of lowering the watertable in the Bremerhaven System. (2) The possible effect of the continued use of a designated part of the system for water exchange for the existing prawn farm. These questions will be answered in relation to data acquired in the area of the Bremerhaven System during the Rocky Point Watertable Study from September 1982 to July 1984, and on the basis of sill height determinations at Bremerhaven on 28\8\91 and 19\9\91.
Soil constraints to productivity improvement
(1991) Croft, BJ; Magarey, RC; Hurney, AP; Reghenzani, JR
Evidence from investigations into fumigation, fungicide application, fallowing and growth of sugarcane on recently cultivated soils strongly suggests that yields in established cane growing areas are being restricted by soil-borne biological factors. The yield restriction may be in the order of 20-40%. The soil-borne pathogens Pachymetra, Pythium and also nematodes probably account for a proportion of this yield loss, but other unknown deleterious microorganisms may be involved. In most cases nutrient deficiencies do not appear to be limiting growth. Zinc deficiency which has recently been identified in northern districts may be affecting growth on some soil types. Excesses of some nutrients, such as phosphorus may be interacting with other nutrients and/or soil-borne pathogens. A multi-disciplinary study of soil-borne limits to yield in sugarcane is needed to identify the major factors involved and to develop satisfactory treatments to ameliorate the problem.
The effect of soil physical properties on growth and yield of sugarcane
(1991) Braunack, MV
The literature reporting the effect of soil physical properties on sugarcane growth and yield has been reviewed and areas for further investigation are suggested. There is conflicting evidence in relation to the number of cultivations and cane yield, with little or no effect in plant cane but a significant interaction with the ratoon crop. The effect of soil compaction on cane growth has also been variable, with little or no effect in some instances and dramatic decreases in others. Overall as bulk density increased, the yield of cane decreased. The compaction effect depends on the soil water content at the time of impact. A major concern in the sugar industry is the trend to larger and heavier equipment and the effect this will have on the soil resource. To reduce the effect of compaction it was suggested that harvesters and haulout equipment be fitted with load sharing, high flotation running gear. When compared with equipment on conventional running gear, again the effect on soil compaction has been variable. It is difficult to isolate any one soil property influencing cane growth and yield. Green cane harvesting with trash blanketing has been introduced to reduce costs and it is hoped to improve soil structure. However, few studies have examined the effect on soil properties. Soil water and temperature are modified by the trash blanket and soil structure has been observed to improve after three years. Long term studies are required to substantiate these trends and resolve problems with insects and pathogens. It is concluded that soil properties do influence cane growth and yield, but further work is required to resolve the inconsistent results of previous workers.
Phytotoxic substances associated with the decomposition of sugarcane trash residues. (Final report SRDC Project BS31S)
(1992) Hurney, AP; Ridge, DR
Ratooning through trash blankets is generally effective with minor exceptions for certain varieties and in cold or waterlogged soils. Information was required to determine whether these effects are normal reactions of slow ratooning varieties to the cold conditions or poor aeration, or whether there are toxic effects attributable to trash residues, ie allelopathy. The project was a preliminary investigation to assess potential allelopathic effects from trash residues on the growth of sugarcane. It was concentrated mainly on north Queensland soils and varieties due to the high percentage of trash retention in that area. A smaller test program was carried out at Bundaberg to take into account a wider suite of varieties and soils.
Improving the efficiency of nitrogen fertilisation of sugarcane under minimum till and trash conservation cultural conditions (Final report SRDC Project BS37S)
(1992) Chapman, LS; Freney, R; Denmead, OT; Wood, AW; Saffigna, PG
Objectives of the experiments were (1) Determine the extent of NH3 volatilisation when urea and ammonium sulfate are applied to the surface of a trash blanket in four cane-growing regions. Evaluate the effect of various placements of urea in a trash blanket under wet and dry moisture regimes by quantifying the amount of N recovered in the soil-plant system.
Report on evaluation of nutrient enhancement of biodunder for cane growth
(1992) Chapman, LS
Three yield trials were conducted to evaluate strategies for the use of biodunder as a fertiliser for sugarcane. Cane growth in the trials was adversely affected by the weather, which was dry in summer, followed by exceptionally heavy and prolonged rainfall, and then drought conditions in autumn and winter. Under these abnormal conditions cane yield was lower than normal. The conclusions drawn from the results of these trials must therefore be extrapolated with caution, for they may not apply to more normal growing conditions.
Comparison of 'into' and 'beside' stool nitrogen placement
(1992) Smith, MA
There are now two alternative methods of subsurface nitrogen placement available: beside the stool or into the stool. The second, into the stool treatment, is easier to accomplish. Comparison of cane yields from strips fertilised by the two methods revealed no significant differences.
Extent of zinc deficiency in cane growing soils of North Queensland.
(1993) Reghenzani, JR
Collation and interpretation of soil analysis data has shown a strong relationship between soil type and extractable zinc. Extractable zinc in soils followed the order: metamorphic, beach ridge and granite soils < organic and alluvial soils < basaltic soils. More than 15% (18 000 ha) of north Queensland sugarcane soils from Mossman to Ingham were estimated to be at risk from zinc deficiency and associated constrained productivity. This study has identified and mapped low zinc soils and remedial action can now be taken. While alternative zinc forms applied with planting fertiliser have a role, preliminary data from this project does not support a change in the recommended application technique of zinc sulfate heptahydrate, broadcast and incorporated before planting.
Development of criteria for draining shallow watertables in the Isis irrigation area
(1993) Kingston, G
This project was proposed to the Sugar Research Council because qualitative data suggested a significant problem with waterlogging and salinity in hydromorphic sedimentary soils in the Bundaberg to Maryborough region. Also there were no quantitative data to indicate elevation of watertables in areas of hazard, nor were there any criteria to determine an approach to management of shallow watertables in the region.
The physiological and growth response of sugarcane to the sodium absorption ratio in flowing solution sand culture
(1994) Crema, AT
The growth of sugarcane variety Q117 in sand culture using nutrient solutions with sodium absorption ratios of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30, each with a constant electrical conductivity of 1.5 dS/m was determined under glasshouse conditions. Increasing the SAR of nutrient solutions from 0 to 30 while holding EC and ionic strength constant, was found to have no significant effect on sugarcane grown in coarse sand for 12 weeks. Thus, sugarcane growth was not inhibited by Na+ concentrations up to 12 mM when Ca2+ and mg2+ were each present at 76uM. It can be tentatively concluded from these results that increasing levels of sodium, in the absence of high levels of soluble salts are not toxic to the variety Q117, as long as other major cations are present at concentrations uninhibitative to plant growth. The major growth effect on sugarcane of sodic soils occurs as a result of the physical limitations associated with soil structure deterioration.
Review of sodic soils research in the Queensland sugar industry
(1995) Cox, AZ; Ham, GJ; McMahon, GG
Increasing levels of sodium on the clay, in the absence of high levels of soluble salts, are not believed to be toxic to the cane plant. Any adverse effect on crop production is through deterioration of the soil structure (Crema, 1994). Under wet conditions, increased clay dispersion accompanies increasing exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP). This is associated with sealing and crusting in surface soils and dense subsurface clays which resist penetration of roots. Even if water does penetrate the surface, it is held very strongly in the very small pores formed in the dispersed soil. It is difficult for roots to withdraw this moisture. The end result of sodicity is similar to that of salinity, water stress. Both infiltration and water storage are adversely affected. Reclamation of sodic soils can be achieved by application of gypsum or lime to promote replacement of sodium on the clay particles by calcium, and hence improve soil structure. Research work indicates that sugarcane yields on sodic soils with ESP less than 25 can be improved by up to 20% with the application of gypsum 10t/ha (Ham etal., 1995). Improvements in yield can also be achieved by improving surface and subsurface drainage to promote leaching of displaced sodium salts from the soil profile. Reduction of natural slope from 0.49% to 0.07% has also improved sugarcane yield by 24% over the crop cycle (Ham etal.,1995). Research has developed ways of increasing production on sodic soils. With the expansion of the cane industry into marginal areas there has been associated extension campaign, concentrating on farm planning and demonstrating the benefits of applied gypsum (Ham etal., 1995). A good example of this is the Burdekin where the BSES program on sodic soils is estimated to have resulted in an extra 26,000 tonnes of cane to the Burdekin district in 1994 alone with a gross value to the industry of $1.02m.
Acid sulfate soils in canegrowing regions of northern New South Wales
(1995) Reghenzani, JR
Acid sulfate subsoils contain iron pyrites (FeS2). Pyrites is stable under anaerobic (saturated) conditions, but when oxidised forms sufuric acid and releases mobile Fe2+ ion. Soil pH can be reduced to as low as 2 and aluminium is released into the soil solution. These conditions can be toxic for plants. Ground water from acid sulfate soils which finds its way to drains and streams, particularly after rainfall following extended dry periods, may kill aquatic life.
Project 921 - rates of biodunder for sugarcane : final report
(1995) Chapman, LS
The BSES recommendation for a maximum application rate is considered adequate to maximise returns and production for ratoon crops on the majority of Mackay soils. As the experiments were conducted only on ratoon crops, no evidence is available to allow comment on the fertiliser K requirements of plant cane. The use of biodunder on caneland is highly recommended as an environmentally friendly way of recycling plant nutrients, thereby reducing fertiliser costs, reducing imports of fertilisers and increasing cane production and profitability.