Farming systems and production management

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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.

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Subject: search.filters.subject.High density planting (HDP)

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    Review of current and future investments in high density planting : SRDC Final report
    (SRDC, 1999) Munro, AJ; Leslie, JK; Tudroszen, NJ
    The BSES is presently confronting the issue of how to facilitate the adoption of HOP as a commercially productive system. Relevant preliminary project proposals have been submitted for SRDC funding. This consultancy assesses these proposals in the light of identified uncertainties and views developed on the best strategy for implementation.
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    Regional evaluation of high density planting : SRDC Final report BSS241
    (2003) Collins, J
    This 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.
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    Regional evaluation of high density planting : SRDC Final report BSS241 (revised)
    (2003) Collins, J
    This project was successful in comparing two 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 systems under field conditions in all the major sugarcane districts of Queensland and New South Wales. A significant yield response was measured in 8 of the 21 plant-cane trials and 9 of the 15 first-ratoon trials, a further trial gave an apparent yield increase in both plant and first ratoon crops however this trial could not be statistically analysed. Where a response was measured between the two planting configurations, the HDP treatment produced an average of 39% and 20% 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 systems in any of the second-ratoon crops. Frequent stalk counts taken throughout crop growth and sample harvests were effective methods of monitoring the dynamics of biomass accumulation and stalk development in the trials.Poor germination in both planting configurations was a significant problem particularly in trials planted in the wet tropics in the 1999 season and it is likely that plant stands in many conventionally-planted crops are sub-optimal for cane and sugar yield. Of the seven trials planted, only one had acceptable germination. Adverse weather conditions that year also caused widespread germination failures in commercial plantings throughout this district. The stalk-count data and associated cane-yield data collected from the trials highlight the importance of good establishment. It is likely that several approaches can be taken to improving plant stands in commercial crops, including improved quality of planting material and planting systems, matching row and bed profiles to machinery and improved soil health. Unfortunately, many of the factors controlling germination are difficult to control or as yet unknown. A more scientific approach to assessing if a cane set will germinate is required.The trials in this project did not provide enough information about the performance of the HDP system over the entire crop cycle. The second-ratoon harvests showed no difference in yield between the 1.5-m rows and the HDP configurations. In the second ratoon, many of the HDP treatments appeared very gappy compared to the single rows. There is no doubt that the lack of appropriate vehicle guidance on the harvester caused some harvester navigation problems which resulted substantial stool damage. However, it is uncertain that this was the only reason for a lack of response in the second ratoon. Mechanical harvesting appears to cause substantial stool damage throughout the entire industry; methods of reducing this damage warrants further investigation.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 installation of a guidance system (DGPS or similar) on the harvester would have overcome the navigation problems. Considering the vast range of harvesting conditions experienced, the equipment performed extremely well.
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    Implementation of the Rocky Point Strategic Plan as a model for local area industry development : SRDC Final report BSS247
    (2002) McGregor, D
    The Rocky Point Strategic Plan was initiated as a direct result of concern from both growers and the sugar mill about the future viability of the local industry. The aim was to follow a similar procedure to the Maryborough cane industry with the vision of duplicating their success story.At the same time as the Strategic Plan was evolving the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) was developing a Reclaimed Water Scheme (part of the Northern Wastewater Strategy) involving the use of this water for irrigation of cane at Rocky Point.In January 2000 I was employed by the BSES as a Development Officer and Northern Wastewater Reuse Coordinator under a jointly funded 3 year project by SRDC and GCCC to assist with the Strategic Plan and provide liaison between the GCCC and the cane industry.A work plan was produced with specific goals and activities. Priority was allocated to work activities that were expected to have the greatest impact on achieving the goal of reaching the annual cane production of 550,000 tonnes. High Density Planting (HDP), Irrigation and Lateral Expansion were seen as the major drivers for achieving this goal.A change in row spacing from single to quad rows (HDP) has been identified in local trials as the best opportunity for growers to lift productivity. For example, quad row Q138 plant cane yield at the Skopp site was 140 tc/ha compared to 90 tc/ha for the conventional single rows. It is also worth noting that there was a positive response in favour of the quad rows with all HDP trials at Rocky Point, with all varieties (Q138, Q141, Q124). However because of the cloud over the future of quad rows, the short-term solution to increasing production by changing row spacing appears to be with convincing growers to adopt the dual row system, and trial work was initiated to promote this change. The impact of this on production predictions is enormous. Quad rows were expected to provide a 40% increase in productivity compared to 15% for dual rows.Lateral expansion through growing cane at Beaudesert was identified as a potential source of increased cane supply. A nursery of cane plants has been established at Beaudesert and was expected to grow to 30,000 by 2003. However the current low cane price has produced a negative impact on this initiative. Unless there is a positive upward movement in the cane price in the near future, the cane production from the Beaudesert area will remain insignificant (<3,000 t).Irrigation of cane using water from the GCCC Reclaimed Water Scheme is expected to commence in August 2004. There was an excellent response from growers to the expressions of interest for allocation of reclaimed water for irrigation of cane. The area of irrigation from Stage 1A of the scheme will be 340 ha and involve six farmers. In general, cane farmers at Rocky Point have limited experience with irrigation. An effort was made to educate Rocky Point cane farmers on irrigation with the aim of establishing a good knowledge of Best Practice Irrigation before the commencement of irrigation in the district using reclaimed water. Also, the surface irrigation trial conducted this season has provided valuable information on crop response to irrigation and irrigation scheduling.Other activities to encourage growers to increase production were based on general extension of the Best Management Practice principles endorsed by the BSES. Improved weed control management would top the list of activities that was expected to have the most impact.