Information

Level 2- Detail of Experimental Conditions

What

This trial evaluated different practices which may reduce erosion without affecting crop yield.

When and Where

The trial was conducted at the Goondi mill area in during September 1980. Pegs were hammered into adjacent drills and readings were taken across the space in between to enable a cross section profile.

Bin weights were taken after the harvest in 1980 and 1981.

How

Four different cultivation practices were trialled to determine the difference in soil loss. The 4 different mangament practices evaluated were as follows:

  • Normal cultivation was conducted and then Caloona pea was broadcast and lightly disced in. This was done in an attempt to produce a dense mat of vegetation cover in the interspace.
  • This trial consisted of a light grubbing with mid mounted equipment only once prior to fertiliser placement. This is the normal cultivation technique for sloping blocks on the farm the trials were carried out on.
  • Trash was raked and burnt and interspaces were rotary hoed. Fertiliser was then applied beneath the ground.
  • Trash blanket trial burnt and left the tops of the leaves on the ground where they fell from the harvester. The soil was not cultivated in any way. The fertiliser was dropped on top of the cane stool using a chain driven fertiliser.

Nitram was applied to the sites at 500kg/ha, while muriate of potash was applied at 250kg/ha. Adequate superphosphate was applied at planting, while none was applied to the ratoon crop.

Principle Investigator Arch Matthew and Paul Makepeace

Principle Organisation BSES

 

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