Farming systems and production management
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://elibrary2.sugarresearch.com.au/handle/11079/13844
Research outcomes: Growers and harvesters benefit from the ongoing research in productivity improvement, production management and agronomical techniques. Developed technologies and management practices that enhance productivity and demonstrate a high rate of return on investment.
Browse
3 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Item Improving soil health in undulating, dryland farms in the Central region : SRDC Grower Group Innovation Project final report(2009) De Boni, RThe project sought to: Improve the condition of soil for the following cane crop by introducing break crops; Investigate zero tillage options in undulating soil conditions to reduce erosion; Compare the benefits of different rotational crops/legumes to soil health (Nitrogen fixation & Organic Matter); Reduce input costs in the production cycle; and test the suitability of a minimum/zero till planter in various soil types for cane and break crop planting. A series of trials and equipment modifications were undertaken to identify the best way to achieve this. The break crop trials showed that Leichhardt out performed Ashgrove, Stuart and Bunya varieties with wet weight biomass yields of over 12t/ha and total N of over 250kg/ha in one trial. In the Plant cane comparison trial, the zero tillage plots proved to be most profitable with the highest yields, lowest input costs, and highest profit of $352/ha compared with the full cultivation plots which returned only $141.00/ha. A range of zero tillage break crop planters were inspected and trialled, with required modifications identified. This project has assisted Farliegh & Coningsby growers to select, and successfully grow dryland soybean break crops, and has demonstrated the cost savings and improved soil management offered by zero/minimal tillage practices. This project also identified a deficiency in existing minimum tillage cane planter designs when it come to heavy clays and other difficult soil types. Additionally the growers have gained valuable skills in cost comparison trials, and appropriate trial designs, which will be off assistance as they continue to adapt their farming systems.Item Optimising benefits of GPS integration into controlled traffic farming (CTF) system : SRDC Grower Group Innovation Project final report(2008) Deguara, GThe modification of the haulout has been completed and been in operation for the 2007 harvesting season. The aim of the project was to primarily reduce the compacted area on the ends of the rows during the turning around phase of harvesting. The secondary aspect was to greatly improve the manoeuvrability of the unit and allow for reverse filling of the haulout by only having to keep the tractor straight. A second hand McLean 14tonne elevating bin was chosen for the modification. The original tandem suspension was removed to allow the chassis to be trimmed up to allow room for the ball race bearings to fit. EHS Manufacturing was commissioned to fabricate the two individual subframes to house the BPW air bag suspensions. EHS also constructed the trailer mounting plates which were welded to the chassis. A ram mounted to the chassis was used to turn the front axle with a tie rod to make the rear axle turn. Hyteco Hydraulics, based in Brisbane, was commissioned to design the electronics and hydraulics to make the unit functional. An EPIC controller, in conjunction with two potentiometers was used to use the angle at the hitch to steer the rear axles as required. Also when reverse on the tractor is selected the system steers the unit so it stays in line with the tractor. A trial, with the assistance of BSES and MAPS was set up to demonstrate and evaluate the unit. A fallow paddock was marked out to represent two metre beds. Measurements were taken off a controlled width headland turning in as if the field was being harvested. A significant reduction in the compacted area was noticed. Local farmers, contractors, BSES and MAPS staff were invited to a field day at the trial site. EHS staff also observed the demonstration and steering is now available as an optional extra on new haulout units. The modification has been successful in that all the aims have been achieved and in the long term the project has demonstrated that it will be a necessary tool in the move to a zero till farm.Item Regional evaluation of high density planting : SRDC Final report BSS241(2003) Collins, JThis project was successful in comparing two farming systems: conventional 1.52-m single rows and the High Density Planting system (HDP), which consists of four rows on a 2.1-m wide bed using controlled-traffic and minimum-tillage principles.Site-replicated strip trials were used to compare the performance of the two farming systems under field conditions in all the major sugarcane districts of Queensland and New South Wales. A significant yield response was measured in 9 of the 21 plant-cane trials and 8 of the 15 first-ratoon trials. Where a response was measured between the two planting configurations, the HDP treatment produced an average of 37% and 16% more cane compared to the 1.52-m rows in the plant and first-ratoon crops, respectively. No difference in yield or CCS was measured between the two farming systems in any of the second-ratoon crops. Stalk counts and sample harvests were effective methods of monitoring crop growth in the trials. The stalk-count data and associated cane-yield data collected from the trials highlight the importance of good establishment. Poor germination in both planting configurations was a significant problem in the trials planted in the 1999 season in the wet tropics. Of the seven trials planted, only one had acceptable germination. Adverse weather conditions also caused widespread germination failures in commercial plantings throughout this district that year.A major part of this project was the design and construction of equipment to allow management of the trials. Over the project, significant modifications were made to the harvester to improve the feeding characteristics and overall machine performance. When correctly adjusted, the bed-forming and planting equipment worked well in most soil types. The very narrow traffic area in the HDP system caused some harvester navigation problems, particularly in large, heavily lodged crops. The cumulative stool damage and loss of vigour were major factors contributing to lack of response in the second-ratoon crop. The installation of a guidance system (DGPS or similar) on the harvester would have overcome this problem. Considering the vast range of harvesting conditions experienced, the equipment performed extremely well.