Fibre cropping in rotation with cane

Project title: Validation of fibre cropping in rotation with sugar cane

Group name: Mackay Fibre Producers. 

 

The ultimate aim of this project is to investigate the feasibility of improving the profitability, sustainability, and robustness of the sugar industry in the central region through the incorporation of fibre rotation crops.

MFP (Mackay Fibre Producers) and its partners will investigate production and processing systems of Kenaf and other fibre crops in the central region and if successful to the wider sugar industry.

The specific objectives of this project are:

  • To quantify the capitol and variable costs and benefits of various fibre crops (Kenaf , Industrial Hemp and Sunn Hemp)
  • To determine and quantify the agronomic benefits of various fibre crops( Kenaf, Industrial Hemp and Sunn Hemp)including
    • Ability to fixate nitrogen
    • Ability to minimize the impacts of pests and diseases (including pachymetra and nematodes)
    • Ability to break down compacted layers in the soil.
    • Impact of the fibre rotation crops of subsequent cane yields
  • To communicate the findings of this project to a broader audience across all sugar growing regions, to promote the implementation of a more profitable, sustainable and robust sugarcane farming system.
  • To source Sunn Hemp seed and investigate the benefits as a legume rotational crop and a fibre source.
  • Build capacity of cane growers to create a more sustainable and diverse farming enterprise

Contact person: Joe Muscat 49597270

Photos of alternative crops

 
 
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