Completed projects and reports

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Sugar Research Australia, Sugar Research Development Corporation and BSES reports from completed research projects and papers.

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A boiler simulator for improved operator training : final report 2016/001
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2016) Mann, AP
A boiler simulator training package ready for use by industry has been developed during this project. After some fine tuning to accommodate site specific details and interaction with existing factory control systems (if requested by the sites), the simulator will be ready for use by factories for operator training.
A collaborative approach to Precision Agriculture RDE for the Australian Sugar Industry : Final report CSE022
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2014) Bramley, R; Schroeder, B; Baillie, C
Strong sugar industry interest in Precision Agriculture (PA) has developed during the 2000s on the back of considerable progress with PA in other Australian agricultural sectors (grains and wine in particular), attempts in the Herbert (HCPSL and partners), and more recently in other districts, to develop a regional harvest management and yield mapping capability, and increased support for initiatives deemed of value in minimising possible impacts of sugarcane production on the Great Barrier Reef, including the provision of grants to growers for the purchase of GPS guidance systems and variable rate controllers for fertilizer spreaders. Against this background, the then Sugar Research and Development Corporation commissioned the reviews contained in SRDC Technical report 3/2007. A subsequent workshop held to mark the delivery of these reviews identified a number of PA-related R+D priorities which collectively could be characterised as being aimed at properly positioning the sugar industry for appropriate PA adoption, supported by access to the necessary technology, skills, methodological protocols and case studies. This project emerged from that process. Its intended focus, was to be based around core field sites in the Bundaberg, Burdekin and Herbert districts which were established with the intent of both PA research and demonstration.
A condensed report on cane deterioration trials : Fairymead, 1967 season
(BSES, 1968) Messrs, PG; Egan, BT; Kirby, LK
Following Discussion between the Australian Producers' Association and the Director of the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations it was decided to carry out a series of cane deterioration trials in the South Queensland district during the 1967 season. As management of Fairymead Mill offered to supply and harvest cane for these tests from their plantation, and to make available laboratory facilities for this work, it was decided to carry out the work at Fairymead.
A cooperative systems model for the Mackay regional sugar industry : SRDC Final report MSA003
(SRDC, 2006) Fleming, GF; Markley, JA; Raines, AJ; O'Hara, IO; Crane, JA
In 2000-2001 the Mackay sugar industry embarked on a path of rapid and major change, driven by a depressed world sugar market and specific regional problems of drought and disease. The changes were initially directed purely at cost reduction, and employed a raft of technologies including a web portal to reduce staff numbers and streamline grower-harvester-miller interfaces.
A database of pest and disease incidence for the sugar industry : SRDC final report BS126S
(BSES, 1999) Stringer, JK
This project established a system to collate, store and interrogate pest and disease data that are collected annually by Queensland Cane Protection and Productivity Boards (CPPBs). An Access database titled ‘Bugbuster’ was developed and this served as the template which was modified to accommodate the needs of individual CPPBs.
A field experiment to evaluate the response of sugarcane varieties to waterlogging
(ASSCT, 2018) Salter, B; Park, G; Kok, E
RECENT PRODUCTIVITY REVIEWS in the Herbert and Central regions identified strong negative correlations between excessive rainfall and productivity. Waterlogging has a significant effect on sugarcane productivity. It was estimated that yield is reduced by 0.5 t/ha for every day the water-table is within 50 cm of the soil surface. Waterlogging tolerance of sugarcane varieties is not assessed in the current variety selection program. Identification of varieties that perform better under waterlogged conditions is based on anecdotal observations from the field, after a variety is released. If a variety’s tolerance to waterlogging was known closer to the time of release, growers could make informed decisions on whether particular varieties are best suited to their farm or blocks within their farm. A field experiment was conducted near Ingham where the waterlogging tolerance of eight sugarcane varieties was assessed.
A literature review of harvesting operations and their implication on soil compaction and yield in sugar cane : Final report PR02012
(BSES, 2002) Blatch, T
A significant effort has been applied to the investigation of soil compaction in the sugar cane industry. Most recently research performed by Dr Mike Braunack at Tully in the wet tropics of Queensland, Australia, has attempted to quantify the relationships that exist between harvesting of sugar cane, soil compaction and yield. Harvesting has the greatest impact on soil physical properties as the cane harvester and haul-out machines, the heaviest machinery used in the production of sugar cane, traffic the interspace at least two times for each implement and are required to harvest at soil moisture contents that range from field capacity to wilting point to ensure continuity of supply to their respective sugar cane mill.
A management assistance package for optimising harvester; infield transport productivity : SRDC Final report BS124S
(BSES, 1998) Ridge, DR; Powell, J
The two year project to develop a management assistance package for optimising harvester/infield transport productivity was completed during 1997.
A metarhizium-based product for control of cane pests : SRDC final report BSS134
(BSES, 2000) Samson, PR; Robertson, LN; Milner, RJ; Bullard, GK
The fungus Metarhizium anisopliae is a naturally occurring pathogen of soil insects in Australia. Metarhizium can be used as a bioinsecticide for control of canegrubs by mass-producing spores on rice and applying the resulting product into canefields. Numbers of greyback canegrub in plant cane have been consistently reduced by more than 50% when spores of isolate FI-1045 together with the rice medium have been applied at 33 kg/ha. About 18 t of this product were applied in semi-commercial trials in 1997-1999. The product was registered as BioCane™ Granules in March 2000. FI-1045 has also given some control of southern one-year canegrub. Another isolate, FI-147, significantly reduced numbers of negatoria canegrub the year after application into sugarcane ratoons, and increased cane yield. The same isolate was equally effective against French's canegrub in laboratory bioassays, and field trials are in progress against this pest. Trials have been less successful against Childers canegrub, and more effective isolates must be identified for this species. Trial results have been very poor against soldier fly; none of the isolates tested in bioassays was very virulent, and no further work is planned.
A method for the rapid identification of ratoon stunting disease in sugar cane
(BSES, 1977) Steindl, DRL
Work with the electron microscope established a slender coryneform - type bacterium is constantly present in the sap of known ratoon stunting diseased plants and is absent from healthy plants. Purpose of project was to determine whether a reliable method of diagnosing doubtful cases of the disease could be based on the fundings of such organisms in the extracted sap, either by election or phase - contrast microscopy.
A monitoring-based system to enhance canegrub control best management practice for Isis sugarcane growers : final report GGP056
(BSES, 2013) Stanley, W; Chandler, K
The aim of GGP-056 was for growers to experience the effectiveness and practical value of monitoring canegrub risk as the basis for more cost-effective and efficient canegrub management: - taking the most appropriate option, including the most suitable insecticide treatment if and when and where needed, as opposed to current routines that are in the main effective but not as efficient as possible.
A national climate change research strategy for primary industries
(Land and Water Australia, 2008)
Australia’s primary industries are projected to be significantly affected by climate change. The changes in climate over the next few decades will be substantial, but the effects will vary across the country. Some regions will experience average warming of up to 1.8ºC by 2030; in other areas average rainfall will decrease as much as 40 per cent by 2070 (compared to 1990). These impacts must be understood to minimise risk and maximise opportunities.
A new cropping system for the Central district : SRDC Final report BSS269
(2009) Hussey, B
The project aimed to facilitate establishment of new cropping system trials with both existing and new productivity groups by providing equipment and technical guidance; develop best practice guidelines for dual-row cropping systems; develop 'cost of production comparison models' and a 'system change-over kit' to facilitate decision making and system change; monitor and evaluate the environmental performance of the system in terms of run-off water quality; target 1000 ha planted under the new cropping system by 2008; and conduct state-wide extension in year 4. The activities undertaken to meet these objectives are discussed.
A novel polyphasic framework to resolve Yellow Canopy Syndrome paradox : final report 2014/082
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2018) Singh, B
A novel polyphasic framework to resolve Yellow Canopy Syndrome paradox.
A participatory approach to improving furrow irrigation efficiency : SRDC Final report BSS206
(2002) Linedale, AI
A combination of low water use efficiencies on a significant proportion of furrow-irrigated farms, and a serious decline in water availability for a majority of farms, gave strong impetus to improving application efficiencies of furrow irrigation, which is practiced over 35% of total cane production area in the Bundaberg district. This project, which was based in the Millaquin/Qunaba area, has identified the main operation of contributors to low application efficiencies and methods to alleviate them.Evaluation of data from three irrigation seasons using the irrigation simulation model SIRMOD provided practical, low-cost solutions to a range of problems encountered. In most cases, ensuring suitable and stable inputs, and refinement of inflow rates and cut-off times raised application efficiencies substantially. Deep infiltration, outflow, and losses associated with end-fill were strongly reduced.The project demonstrated that monitoring of common operational factors such as inflow, advance rate and cut-off time, provides excellent information for evaluation of irrigation efficiencies. The simulation model SIRMOD proved particularly useful in evaluation of irrigation practices and provided direction for improvement of application efficiencies. Participating growers involved in the monitoring programs were able to form action plans quickly which modified inefficient practices. In many cases, this led to highly significant improvements to application efficiencies and resulted in better use of available water. A survey conducted at the close of the project indicated that improvements to a number of practices associated with application efficiency are underway.Monitoring and evaluation outcomes were relayed to participating growers through shed meetings, demonstrations and personal contact. Technology transfer to district growers involved similar events and included also field days, workshops, bus tours, displays and presentations. A practical furrow irrigators? handbook was produced for ongoing extension.
A participatory approach towards improving industry sector profits through improved harvesting efficiency : SRDC Final report BSS227
(2002) Agnew, JR
Recent productivity gains through the introduction of high yielding varieties, green cane harvesting, improved drainage and irrigation have resulted in larger, mostly lodged crops with increased suckering. As a result, ccs levels have declined, dirt in supply and extraneous matter levels have increased, and stool damage at harvest is obvious. Growers do not always connect their role in crop presentation to ease of harvest and resultant cane quality. Failure to hill up plant cane adequately and match it to harvester basecutter angle; inconsistent row spacing and lack of attention to farm layout, headlands and haul roads are the main deficiencies. Harvester operators and harvest crews may also have goals conflicting with cane quality and quality of ground job. The standard system of harvester payment, which is based on $/tonne, rewards speed of operation. Stool damage, cane loss and poor billet quality result. The mills? transport limitations and need for continuous supply may impose restrictions on harvesting where by the harvester must deliver a fixed quantity of cane within a short time frame. This can result in poor ground job and higher cane losses (because fan speed is increased in an attempt to achieve cleaning at high pour rates). Short and damaged billets can result from pressure to achieve high pour rates and high bin weights. Encouraging harvesting under wet conditions results in field damage. The viability of the north Queensland sugar industry is in jeopardy. Industry leaders believe there are large productivity and profitability gains to be made by adopting harvesting best practice (HBP).
A pilot for business planning for young farmers and partner in the sugarcane industry : final report ACF002
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2014) Puglisi, G; Sheppard, A
Through ACFA’s Next Gen program, it was identified that given the aging demographic of cane farmers it is important that young farmers, the future decision makers of the industry, are provided with the tools and skills needed for them to succeed in their farming businesses. This need was echoed through the Next Gen regional representatives and a desire was expressed to ‘up-skill’ to ensure that they have the tools required to run a profitable cane farm business. The Business Planning & Cash Flow Management courses were run in six locations from Mossman in Far North Queensland to Ballina in Northern New South Wales and were open to all young cane farmers looking to create or work on their existing business plan. Other topics included in the workshops were fixed & variable expenses, break-even analysis, insurance requirements, business structures, SWOT analysis as well as income & cash flow projections. The courses were delivered by Ray Dukamp of Basic Training Solutions, who has 15 years’ experience in training in Business Management and had previously successfully run similar programs in the grazing industry.
A profitable future for Australian agriculture; biorefineries for higher-value animal feeds, chemicals and fuels : final report 2015/902
(Sugar Research Australia Limited, 2019) O'Hara, I; Harrison, M; Speight, R; Doherty, W; Vancov, T; Zhang, Z; Cox, S; Hobson, P
The Biorefineries for Profit project began in 2016 with a goal of establishing profitable bioproduct technologies for the Australian sugar, cotton, forestry, and pork industries. The project has developed technologies to turn agricultural waste into high-value products including animal feeds, chemicals, and advanced fuels. The project has also built the value-chain knowledge and human/organisational capacity needed to capture future biorefinery opportunities for Australian agriculture.
A project scoping document to SRDC on harvesting RD&E
(2010)
Mechanical harvesting of sugarcane has been a major success story for the Australian sugar industry. However, the Australian sugarcane industry has suffered a plateau in productivity (Wilson and Leslie 1997) and there is considerable evidence that mechanisation is a component of this plateau in performance. SRDC has provided significant investment in harvester technology and harvesting operations. This research has been fragmented and has not been carried out within the context of the supply chain or a farming system framework. However, this research has clearly shown the magnitude of harvesting losses and their ultimate effect on productivity is clearly associated with the harvesting system.
A reactive extension and monitoring program to reduce dirt levels in the cane supply : SRDC Final report BS1495
(1997) Ridge, DR; Linedale, AI