Are urea-based enhanced-efficiency fertilisers widely appropriate for reducing nitrogen application rates in sugarcane production?
Paper
Schroeder, BL, Park, G, Skocaj, DM and Wood, AW. 2024. "Are urea-based enhanced-efficiency fertilisers widely appropriate for reducing nitrogen application rates in sugarcane production?" 45th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT 2024). Townsville, Australia 15 - 19 Apr 2024 Australia. Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists.
| Paper/Presentation Title | Are urea-based enhanced-efficiency fertilisers widely appropriate for reducing nitrogen application rates in sugarcane production? |
|---|---|
| Presentation Type | Paper |
| Authors | Schroeder, BL, Park, G, Skocaj, DM and Wood, AW |
| Journal or Proceedings Title | Proceedings of the 45th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT 2024) |
| Journal Citation | pp. 256-263 |
| Number of Pages | 8 |
| Year | 2024 |
| Publisher | Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists |
| Place of Publication | Australia |
| ISSN | 0726–0822 |
| Web Address (URL) of Conference Proceedings | https://www.assct.com.au/images/2024_Conference/2024_ASSCT_Conference_Proceedings.pdf |
| Conference/Event | 45th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT 2024) |
| Event Details | 45th Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT 2024) Parent Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Conference Delivery In person Event Date 15 to end of 19 Apr 2024 Event Location Townsville, Australia Event Description The 2024 conference holds special significance as it revolves around the theme of "Profitability, Sustainability, and Adaptability" This theme aptly reflects the ever-changing landscape of our industry and the crucial role that adaptability plays in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By embracing sustainability and adaptability we can secure a prosperous and resilient future for the sugar industry. |
| Abstract | Possible reductions in nitrogen (N) application rates using urea-based enhanced-efficiency fertilisers (EEFs) have recently been highlighted within the Queensland sugar industry. It was suggested that these commercially available products provide growers with an ability to reduce their N inputs and improve N-use efficiency (NUE) without negatively affecting on-farm productivity and/or profitability. This paper reports on the results of an investigation conducted in the Herbert district during the period 2015-2020. The aim was to assess the efficacy of two EEFs and standard urea on N-uptake, and cane and sugar yields over a crop cycle. The plant crop was harvested in 2016 and the four ensuing ratoons were harvested in 2017-2020. The EEF formulations were urea coated with a nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP-urea) and poly-coated urea (PC-urea). The trial site was located on a clay soil with a soil organic carbon (Org C) content of 2.15% in a poorly-drained position subject to seasonally high water-tables and/or persistently wet conditions. Such conditions had previously been identified as particularly appropriate for EEFs to enhance NUE and productivity when denitrification losses could be expected. Seasonal climatic conditions varied markedly during the trial period contributing to overall yield differences among the ratoons. In the relatively dry 2017/18 season, the highest mean yield was 113 t cane/ha. In contrast only 63 t cane/ha (determined as biomass) was achieved in 2018/19 which was a particularly wet season. The SIX EASY STEPS N guideline (110 kg N/ha) for ratoon cane grown on a soil with 2.0-2.4% Org C was confirmed as generally applicable per season. Despite significant N-uptake and yield responses to applied N in the ratoon crops, use of EEFs did not contribute to improved yields compared to each other or standard urea at the same rate. At the site, reducing N rates below the SIX EASY STEPS guideline, irrespective of the N-formulation used, would adversely affect yield within seasons and across the crop cycle. Although EEFs may provide an opportunity for improved environmental stewardship through improved NUE in some circumstances, they should not be considered an appropriate mechanism for systematically reducing the amount of N applied. Such uses of EEFs could put the industry at risk of possible losses in on-farm productivity and/or profitability, cane supply, and mill throughput and viability. |
| Keywords | enhanced efficiency fertilisers; Sugarcane; nitrogen; productivity; profitability |
| Contains Sensitive Content | Does not contain sensitive content |
| ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 300407. Crop and pasture nutrition |
| Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
| Byline Affiliations | University of Southern Queensland |
| Sugar Research Australia, Australia | |
| Tanglewood Agricultural Services, Australia |
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