The Bundaberg demonstration site, hosted by Trevor Cross, focuses on refining irrigation and nutrition practices for a capsicum crop grown under drip irrigation on sandy soils.
Given the high input costs faced by the grower, this trial explores ways to increase efficiencies, especially in the areas of irrigation and nutrition. There is also an opportunity to positively impact the environment, aligning with Reef Catchment certification goals that the grower is considering, with the support of Growcom.
Specifically, the project aims to collect data on the current practices used at the site to inform adjustments that can improve water and nutrient use efficiency. The goal is to help reduce input costs, including water, nutrients, energy, and time, while maintaining crop yield and quality.
Soil Wealth ICP team members Dr Naomi Diplock and Demetrio Bruno will work with grower Trevor Cross to assess:
- Irrigation: Determine if water is being over- or under-applied, evaluating soil moisture depth during irrigation, examining runoff levels, and testing if an improved irrigation strategy can better match crop demand. The effectiveness of any new approach will be compared to the current standard.
- Nutrition: Analyse the grower’s existing nutrition program, investigating nutrient loss through runoff, and considering the adoption of a nutrient budget to better match crop requirements. Any enhancements to the nutrition plan will be evaluated against the current practice for measurable improvement.