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 regional partnership approach to developing a sustainable sugar cane system : SRDC Final report MAS001
(SRDC, 2007) Rudd, A; Parker, D
The Mossman milling area has a unique place in the Australian sugar industry; not only is it the most northern of all mill areas but the Mossman Central Mill is one of the oldest independent milling companies and still substantially owned by its cane suppliers. It also has also established a reputation for innovation in both the processing and growing of sugarcane. By 2002 Mossman and most of the Australian sugar industry was suffering significant financial difficulties following a decade of expansion.
Improved environmental outcomes and profitability through innovative management of nitrogen SRDC research project CSE011 final report
(2008) Thorburn, P; Webster, T; Biggs, J; Biggs. I; Park, S
Nitrogen (N) fertiliser additions are an important contributor to productivity and profitability in intensive farming systems, including sugarcane production. However, applying N increases losses of N to the environment, and so all intensive agricultural industries face the challenge of maintaining productivity while minimising environmental impacts of N fertiliser use. This challenge has become particularly important for sugarcane production in Australia because community concern grows over the impact of N on the health of the Great Barrier Reef and sugarcane production has the largest use of N fertiliser in the region. It has been suggested that replacing the N lost from a crop through harvested cane and environmental losses will better align N fertiliser applications to the actual needs of sugarcane crops and the other potential sources of N available to the crop, and so improve the financial and environmental sustainability of the Australian sugarcane industry. In this project we tested and further developed an innovative N fertiliser management system, the N Replacement (NR) system.
Review of nitrogen fertiliser research in the Australian sugar industry
(2004) Thorburn, P
The management of nitrogen (N) fertiliser is important to the Australian sugar industry, as it is an important nutrient for sugarcane production. However, over application results in reduced profitability and sugar quality, and results in high concentrations of N in soils and water of sugarcane growing areas. An extensive review of current and past research on N fertiliser management in the Australian sugar industry was undertaken to identify possible improvements in N fertiliser management and establish priorities for future research into sustainable management of N fertiliser. The Australian sugar industry has a history of high N fertiliser usage, with applications increasing from the 1960s to the late 1990s. However, industry average sugarcane production has not kept pace with N fertiliser applications, resulting in a steady increase in N fertiliser applied per ton of sugarcane harvested. Historical and recently developed N management strategies rely on matching N applications to the predicted/expected yield of the forthcoming crop. Over-application of N fertiliser is a rational reaction by growers to uncertainty about the size of the coming crop and the long-term impact of N fertiliser on profitability – significant over-fertilisation reduces profits much less than significant under fertilisation. We suggest that past and current N fertiliser management strategies have not adequately accounted for these attitudes, and the resultant longer-term implications for soil and water quality and environmental impacts in sugarcane catchments. While long-term under application of N fertiliser undoubtedly reduces profitability, there is considerable evidence to show that greatly reducing N fertiliser applications for a single crop will not significantly reduce sugarcane production. Thus, the short-term risk of crop yields limited by N deficits is possibly much lower than generally appreciated. If this is so, a new philosophy of N fertiliser management can be developed that remove the uncertainties that drive growers to over-apply N, and so allow closer matching of N inputs to N outputs from a sugarcane system. Rather than aiming to fertilise the coming crop, it may only necessary to replace the N lost from the previous crop, the majority of which is in harvested cane and therefore be easily estimated. Over the past decade, there have been significant advances in our ability to simulate N (and carbon) dynamics in sugarcane production systems. We drew upon these advances to undertake a ‘desktop’ examination of this new ‘replacement’ N management strategy. Three N management scenarios were simulated: (1) the ‘replacement’ strategy, (2) the current recommended strategy and (3) the average amounts of N applied in the industry (i.e., 30 % greater than those recommended). The replacement strategy had similar productivity, greater profitability and lower environmental N losses, whether we simulated potential crop production or a more realistic level of production (resulting from the impact of pests, diseases, lodging, stool damage, etc.). Moreover, these advantages were greater in the simulations of realistic yields. The ‘replacement’ strategy is an evidence based, transparent and defensible N management strategy, all attributes that are important for the sugar industry to maintain self-regulation of N fertiliser management. We suggest that this strategy warrants further testing, through both simulation and field experiments.
Development of a streamlined life cycle assessment (LCA) tool for assessing the environmental benefits of progressive cane growing : SRDC Final report UQ045
(SRDC, 2012) Renouf, M; Allsopp, P
The Australian sugar industry faces continuing expectations to demonstrate environmentally sustainable sugarcane growing practices. This has been driven by moves to protect water quality (through the Australian Government’s Reef Water Quality Protection Plan and the Queensland Government’s Reef Protection Legislation), requirements to develop best-practice guidelines, and also by opportunities to participate in greenhouse gas abatement through the Australian Government’s Carbon Farming Initiative.
Overcoming on-farm constraints to productivity and profitability in a wet tropical area
(2003) Goodson, M; Thorburn, P
The CCS in the wet tropics has been declining steadily for over three decades, a period in which green cane harvesting-trash blanketing (GCTB) has become standard practice among growers throughout the wet tropics. In the Babinda Mill region, where this situation is most acute, it has been hypothesised that a part of the low CCS problem is due to the effect of GCTB in increasing soil moisture and soil fertility, which aggravates lodging and suckering in the crop and restricts the opportunity for drying crops out. During the 1990’s Babinda growers were assessing alternative management systems to overcome some of these perceived problems associated with trash blanketing. This project aimed to implement best-bet initiatives to overcome problems associated with trash blanketing, and so improve productivity and profitability in a wet tropics environment. The project was directed by stakeholders and conducted using a participative approach. There were four interrelated ‘strands’ of activity undertaken in this project: 1. Liaison and interaction with Babinda growers and the wider industry, achieved through establishment of a Grower Management Group, conducting all trials on farms (as opposed to research stations), distributing regular newsletters and holding regular bus tours and shed meetings to view demonstration sites and discuss trial results. 2. Demonstration of ‘best-bet’ trash management practices (for improved profitability). Trials were established on four farms comparing the impact of raking trash from the stool and/or incorporating it into the soil. 3. Exploration of improved nitrogen fertiliser placement (for improved profitability). Trials were established on two farms comparing different placement of N fertiliser (in the ground or on the trash blanket) and different N carriers (urea and Nitram). 4. Determination of soil and plant nitrogen status in response to different soils and/or management practices. Soil and crop N status were determined in all trials and a survey of amino-N in juice from sugarcane (a good indicator deficiency and over-supply of N to the crop) from all blocks on eight farms in the region. The trash management trial sites consistently failed to demonstrate any advantage of either raking trash from the stool, incorporating trash into the soil, or doing both. Thus the extra cost of purchasing and operating a trash rake is not justified. At one site, in a flood prone area where trash blanketing is impractical, trash burning consistently gave higher yields than trash raking and incorporation. This result suggests that raking and incorporation of trash is economically disadvantageous, in the short term, in these areas. However, damage to the stool during raking caused the lower yields in the raked incorporated treatments at this site and improved methods of raking trash may overcome this problem.
Developing a new approach to extension for widespread adoption of Best Management Practice
(2002)
MUL001 has sought to improve the uptake of research outcomes by the sugar industry’s growing sector. It is recognised that the traditional one-to-one extension approach is no longer affordable and the current system was not adequately facilitating the uptake of research at a time when the industry needed to make every post a winner. This project developed a group extension program in the Mulgrave region to promote the development and adoption of best management practice. 13 productivity groups were established which sought to involve 100% of growers. These groups utilise discussion type meetings and field demonstrations in order to enhance the individual knowledge and understanding of various aspects of sugarcane production, which are relevant to the management decisions faced at the time. Typically each group would meet 4 to 5 times each year. Emphasis is placed on learning from other growers as well as people with specialist knowledge in each particular field. Monitoring programs were also utilised to enhance the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes of individuals. Monitoring harnesses the power of learning-by-doing and has proven very effective. Monitoring programs for production constraints such as canegrubs, rats and weevil borer were coordinated by this project and strategically timed to enhance the effectiveness of group activities. The group extension program has been in operation since March 2000 and continues to improve in effectiveness and grower participation. Throughout the project 89% of growers participated in the extension program and on average, 63% of cane production areas were represented at each group activity. Although it is difficult to objectively measure change in knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes, there are numerous examples of subtle but visible change in the behaviour of farm managers, which could be attributed to the extension program. An important output of the project has been the development of a communication structure. This structure has proven invaluable to maintain information flow throughout all sectors of the industry and maintain a dialogue in an age of continuous change and uncertainty. This structure will be necessary to drive real and sustained change in the industry.
A stocktake of the levels and sources of nitrate in groundwaters associated with sugarcane areas
(2000) Thorburn, PJ; Weier, KL; Biggs, JS
Water containing high concentrations of nitrate is unfit for human consumption and, if discharging to freshwater or marine habitats, can contribute to algal blooms and eutrophication. Previous studies have found elevated nitrate concentrations in groundwaters underlying sugar-growing areas, particularly the Bundaberg and Burdekin areas, and that in Bundaberg the problem was escalating. Nitrate pollution of groundwaters of the sugar industry is of particular concern because of the proximity of the industry to environmentally sensitive areas and the large number of people (in cities and rural areas) relying on groundwaters for drinking water. However, apart from recent studies in Bundaberg, data on nitrate in groundwater has generally come from inconsistent studies. These studies examining either a limited number of groundwater bores, or large databases of groundwater chemistry where sampling and analytical methods have been variable and, in some cases, inappropriate. So a reliable, consistent, industry-wide definition of the problem does not exist. This project determined the extent of nitrate contamination in groundwater underneath sugargrowing regions of eastern Australia, and examined the likely source of the nitrate. In bores where nitrate concentrations were elevated, and therefore likely to be a result of human activities, concentrations were monitored to provide an assessment of trends in nitrate concentrations. This information was used to promote “best management practices” through relevant extension, industry and regulatory groups, to restrict leaching of nitrate to groundwater.
Towards long-term sustainability of sugarcane farming in the Johnstone River catchment
(2001) Stewart, RL
Cane farmers are important stakeholders in the Johnstone River Catchment. Their engagement in the sustainability debate is essential, however, at times they appear to be isolated from it. The Johnstone River Catchment Management Association (JRCMA) saw the need for their engagement and applied to The Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC) for a grant to do an action research project to achieve that end. Growers meeting in small groups discussed all aspects of cane growing with the aim of producing a booklet of guidelines for best management practices for the catchment. Growers were invited to speak freely but challenged to be certain that the practices they nominated were sustainable and demonstrable on their own farms. More than 100 growers participated in the discussions over two years and a booklet entitled “Growers perspective of best management for sustainable cane farming (Documenting practices in the Johnstone, Moresby and Liverpool Creek Catchments)” was published in best management practice format. The project received wide acclaim and The Honourable Rod Welford; Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage launched the booklet in April 2000. Demonstration of best practices for sustainable farming from a grower’s perspective were achieved through a major field day organised by the JRCMA and through a series of video clips of many practices throughout the catchment. “The Most Significant Change Approach” also known as “The Story Method” was used to determine changes growers perceived were occurring in the farming, agency and general communities as a result of this project. Focus group technique was also used to gauge the effect of the project on the general community and agency groups.
Implementing an integrated sugar system in NSW : Final report NSC005
(2006) Beattie, R; Ensbey, N; Aitken, R; McGuire, P; Garside, A
The New South Wales Sugar Milling Co-operative’s (NSWSMC) move to whole cane harvesting for cogeneration will increase in-field haulout traffic by 30% with the potential for yield decline due to increased soil compaction. Trials were established in all three milling areas of NSW in 2003 comparing various controlled traffic (1.8 m) row spacing/ planting configurations with the conventional 1.5 m configuration. Results obtained for both one and two-year crops are reported. The trial results have indicated the potential for small yield increases and demonstrated that adoption of controlled traffic cropping systems will not result in loss of productivity. These results have given growers confidence that they can adopt a controlled traffic farming system without productivity losses. Although there were generally no major yield differences between the three controlled traffic systems evaluated, it is considered that the dual row configuration is the best option for NSW given the slower canopy closure in the other 1.8 m configurations. In addition, it is possible to zero till dual rows with double disc planting technology but this option is not possible for a wide row configuration. However the construction of the wide throat strip tillage machinery has enabled a reduced tillage option for wide throat plantings. Further trials were established in 2004 comparing fallow plant with replant to determine the effect of a legume break on the yield of the following cane crop. These trials also included tillage treatments to observe effect on zero-tilling cane through soybean stubble. These trials were established with a stalk planter, with results showing no yield penalty through zero-tilling cane. In 2005 trials were established comparing conventional tillage with zero-tillage using a disc-opener billet planter, similarly results showed no yield penalty from zero-tilling cane through soybean stubble. An economic analysis indicated that by adopting a controlled traffic, reduced tillage, legume fallow system, on a 72ha farm, a grower will improve gross margins by $12,857 when compared to a conventional system. Variable costs such as fertiliser and fuel are greatly reduced in such a system. Harvester operator visibility when cutting large two-year old crops green is severely limited due to the increased bulk of cane material so GPS guidance systems (± 2 cm) were evaluated in these trials. As a result of these trials the NSW industry has established an RTK GPS base station network, with coverage of all three mill areas. The entire harvesting fleet in Broadwater and Condong have been set up with GPS guidance in readiness for whole-of-crop harvesting, with a number of units being set up on growers’ tractors. A total of 60 GPS units are now operating on the NSWSMC base station network. A large scale extension program was undertaken throughout the life of the project with numerous field days, shed meeting, farm walks being conducted to increase the awareness among growers of the benefits of adopting the new farming system. As a result adoption of controlled traffic farming has increased dramatically since trial work began in NSW 2003. This has been a result of a broad scale extension program advocating the results of the farming systems work along with innovative growers making a successful transition to controlled traffic farming.
Options for auditing and certification of farm management systems : Farm Management Systems for the Sugarcane Industry, sub-program 4
(2006) Chambers, D; Holloway, S
Key stakeholders within the sugar industry, surrounding community and Government are concerned over the potential impact of sugar production on the environment in general and the highly sensitive world heritage listed neighbouring ecosystems in particular. An increasing number of growers are responding by upgrading management practices and seeking relevant training opportunities. An industry wide system for certification, accreditation and auditing of farmers and properties would add value to individual enterprises, demonstrate stewardship, raise the industry profile, reduce community concern, attract project related grant support, win financial rewards from banks, insurance companies and regulators and bestow advantages within niche markets for environmentally sustainable high quality products. This project reviewed approaches, systems and implementation options for certification, accreditation and auditing across a range of other industries. We reviewed documents and held wide ranging discussions with other industry sectors as well as sugar industry, government and community representatives. Having regard to the unique circumstances and diversity of regional environments across the industry, we favour a structured though flexible auditing and accreditation system. This would accommodate industry wide consensus in favour of voluntary compliance and ensure that Su

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