Investigate skip row configuration

Investigate skip row configuration in sugar cane.

Group Name: Blackburn Harvesting

Objectives:

• Determine the gross margin of a skip row controlled traffic system compared to the current system of continuous planting.
• Determine the productivity results (tons of sugar per hectare) comparing a skip row configuration compared to the current system.
• Improve management of water soil resources particularly investigating water infiltration and retention.
• Investigate different break crop options that are suitable in skip row configuration
• Build onto work currently done by John Hughes (DFI&F Central) and further investigate the outcomes to a skip row system in sugar cane

Project Activities:

The project will investigate options in a skip row configuration that will address the nutrient, water and harvesting crop inputs on a 1.8M farming system. This is an innovative approach to investigating sustainable farming practices into the future. The project will determine the cost effectiveness of skip row configuration compared to the current system. The project will also investigate two skip row techniques the first will be alternate row plantings, the second will be multiple row skip technique. The project will also investigate rotational crop options that will enhance the skip row option - one of these crop options will be sugar beat.

Contact Person: Lee Blackburn 0405140322