Farming systems and production management

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Precision farming with controlled traffic and GPS guidance system : SRA Grower Group Innovation Project final report
(2007) Vassallo, C; Vassallo, G
After working with the Central Region new farming system grower group we decided to take the system to the next level and implement GPS guidance and precision. Our aim was to overcome the problems associated with converting from 1.5 metres conventional to 1.83 meters controlled traffic using GPS guidance, bed forming, minimum tillage, break crops and converting existing equipment to the new system. Some equipment needed to be invented as we proceeded with the new system. The learning from the project was that the 1.83m controlled traffic system needs to be established in a conventional way, rather than preformed beds. The cane needs to be planted deep into the soil, rather than on mounds to establish the stool deep in the soil, into the moisture zone. GPS guidance is of great assistance to establish true control traffic farming.
Utilising available technology to better manage yield variability within blocks : SRA Grower Group Innovation Project final report
(2008) Blackburn, L
The specific aim of this project was to gain information on the different layers of information collected at a block level to allow site specific crop management. The Blackburn Brothers have also investigated the farm economic within the fallow period by introducing fallow options like peanuts. Blackburn Brothers have collected a number of different layers of information such as: Satellite imagery, EM Mapping “soil”, Yield Mapping, soil analysis and leaf analysis, from the information collected, management of the nutrient applied, the gross margins achieved, all have allowed for better decision making that have improved the bottom line. A replicated strip trial site was established and determined that there was no significant difference between the peanut fallow and bare fallow in the plant cane crop while the economics determined that the peanut fallow achieved $1147.22 per hectare more than the bare fallow. Within these two treatments two nitrogen rates were utilised 45kg / ha and 150 kg / ha with no significant difference achieved. The results achieved by utilising available technology to better manage yield variability within blocks has been adopted over the total farming area (470 ha) by the confidence achieved by conducting this project. The group has also now undertaken that complete record keeping will be utilised and this will lead to better management decisions to be made at a block level.
Bed forming utilising GPS guidance by the CAS (Calen and St Helen) Young Farmers Association : SRDC Grower Group Innovation Project final report
(2008) Gordon, G; Mackenzie, C
This project aimed to enhance controlled traffic farming with GPS guidance in undulating conditions in the Calen and St Helen district of Mackay. The project focused on the use of preformed beds, as well as investigating different planting techniques (eg dual row and wide shute on preformed beds). The group also wanted to investigate the potential for a contracting facility to bed form under guidance. Key results from the project include: - Controlled traffic systems were enhanced through the use of GPS. Without GPS we had issues with maintaining even row spacings along the contours and side slopes, and holding a billet planter in position on slopes. Through the use of GPS, and the Alexander (flat top) bed former, we were able to overcome these issues. - We found that the flat top bed shape formed with the Alexander bed former was the most suitable for our region. While the trial results indicated there was no yield, NIR or financial difference between the flat top, round top bed and conventional planting, we found the flat top beds were much easier to manage in our undulating farming conditions as the tractor/planter can more easily stay on the wheel ruts and not stray from the desired position. With the flat top bed former we found we could mark out with a GPS tractor and then conduct other paddock operations without the GPS because the bed shapes kept the tractor and implement in the GPS wheel tracks. o The flat top beds provided the best wheel track for our planting equipment, as this profile seemed to form a “railway like track centre”, making it very easy to keep the planter in the correct position without the need for GPS guidance. The round beds seem to have a wider wheel space and we experienced some movement and uneven row spacing, however this could be eliminated with the use of guidance equipment on the planting gear (which we don’t have). -Different planting techniques on preformed beds had very similar yields. The dual rows on preformed beds performed the worst with a yield of 103.7 t/ha, compared to singles on beds and conventional planting with 108.63 and 107.81 t/ha respectively. o Based on the gross return per hectare, the single wide shute treatments planted on preformed beds performed the best with a return of $2,582.78 per hectare. However the conventional treatment was very close with a return of $2,539.34 per hectare. The dual rows had a return of $2,464.90 per hectare. Across the treatments there was only a difference of $117.88/ha. - A FEAT analysis conducted by a DPI economist showed that the group’s cur rent farming system (controlled traffic and tilled system) resulted in a Farm Operating Return of $20, 070 and a Return on Investment of 1.44%. While the improved farming system which involves controlled traffic, preformed beds, soybean fallow and reduced tillage resulted in a Farm Operating Return of $54, 947 and a Return on Investment of 3.94%. - There was very little difference in yield and NIR data between the conventional planting method, and the two different bed shapes. The CASH preformed beds, which have a flat shape, had the highest yield with 98.97 t/ha, however it also had the lowest PRS. Tonnes of sugar per hectare across the treatments were almost identical and as a result the Gross Return per hectare only had a difference of $29 between the treatments. o While there was no major difference in gross return between the treatments, we noticed that the flat bed shape was much easier to form, plant and harvest, compared to the round shape. F:\New folder\SRDC\SRDC USB\MRD\Projects - GGIP\Archive\GGP021\Final Report\100426 GGP021_final_report - final.doc - Preliminary results indicate that the flat top bed system has much greater water infiltration and plant extraction than the other systems. However more detailed, long term work needs to be conducted before final conclusions can be drawn. -In 2007 approximately 160 acres outside of the group members farms was contract bed formed, and an additional 100 acres was contract bed formed in 2008. The equipment will continue to be available for hire into the future. - The group members have determined that in this area, preformed beds are essential for a successful legume fallow. All group members will use the bed former prior to planting soybean.
Maximising soy's in Central Queensland : SRDC Grower Group Innovation Project final report
(2011) Mattsson, S
The Mackay region is currently expanding into soybeans as a legume for green manure and for grain production. The lack of region specific information has meant that growers are relying on information that has been developed in other regions. Some of this agronomic or varietal advice has resulted in crop failure when applied in the central region. Soybean crops in the central region are often lower yielding and have a higher frequency of failure than in other cane growing regions due to the lack of good local understanding of the crop. Our region’s climatic conditions such as: day length, temperature, rain fall and the number of rainy or clear days will impact on soybean production. These needs must be addressed to further encourage the adoption of legume break crops in the central region. Soy bean yields in the central region have not reached their potential when compared to the other regions and we believe that some of the issues relate to poor variety selection and the lack of good local information. This project experimented with current and new varieties and documents the results of these experiments. This information will give cane growers in the central region a process for better decision making.

Farming systems and production management

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