Developing Prescription Compost

Developing prescription compost to suit specific soils in Maryborough

Objectives:

• Tailor the nutrient composition of compost to match the requirements of specific soils for sugarcane production. This will allow compost to be a stand alone nutrient source for cane and soybeans.
• Develop the equipment, knowledge and technology required to achieve this.
• Undertake a field trial that compares prescription compost against other nutrient sources.
• Utilise various un-tapped nutrient resources such as animal manures, bio-solids and saw dust and understand how they contribute to the nutrient composition of compost.

Contribute to the development of guidelines for the use of compost sugarcane farming systems.

Project Activities:

1. Construction of a machine that mixes nutrients into compost as it lifts it into the compost drilling machine.
2. A soil and compost testing regime to match the nutritional value of compost to soil requirements.
3. A replicated trial to compare the sugarcane yield response and economics of DAG group compost, mineral fertiliser and banded mill mud.
4. A number of demo trials comparing compost to mineral fertiliser.
5. A value chain analysis of the composting process that includes an accurate economic analysis.
6. A possible contribution to the development of guidelines for the use of compost in the sugarcane industry.

Contact Person: Glen Grohn 0428 182 476