Enhancing nutrient placement: Sub surface application of cane : SRDC Grower Group Innovation Project final report GGP044
Abstract
Historically composting of wastes is used to reduce waste volume by about 50% so that cartage to a landfill site is
reduced or in farming provides economics in application to pasture or broad acre. Responding to waste disposal issues
in livestock industries, many designs of truck or tractor and trailer muck spreaders are available which provide a blanket
surface coverage of compost. Sugar cane is considered a gross feeder of nutrient and has row spacings up to 2 metres apart. A surface broadcast
application may be limited benefit to a young cane plant in its first six months of development if most of the application
is in the interspace. Environmental concerns over nutrient contamination of water acquifers and streams, particularly from surface runoff,
will encourage legislation to restrict surface application of nutrient and industry wastes. Our network of international compost consultants knew of no machine designed to drill through thick trash blankets and
drop compost in the top 150mm of soil and leaving the field looking undisturbed. This project undertakes to design, build and trial an applicator to satisfy the above issues. Advanced Nutrient Solutions
Pty Ltd engaged a reputable Mackay agricultural equipment manufacturer, Hodge Industries, to assist with the design
and construction of the applicator.