Growers and advisers in the Western Region have raised concerns about...

Growers and advisers in the Western Region have raised concerns about nitrogen management, identifying it as a critical issue in multiple stakeholder forums. Feedback has highlighted the need for effective strategies that allow growers to optimise nitrogen use, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impact, all tailored to their specific farming systems, soil types, and environmental conditions.

This project aims to address these challenges by optimising nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the Geraldton Port Zone, with the goal of improving both economic viability and environmental sustainability in farming practices. Building on similar projects in the Western Region, the initiative will focus on developing practical, evidence-based guidelines to support informed decision-making regarding nitrogen use. It will draw on data and insights from previous and current industry and GRDC-led projects, expanding through the collection of new data from existing and additional trial sites.

The findings from these trials will inform the creation of clear, actionable guidelines to help growers optimise nitrogen use, adapt to seasonal variations, and correctly use monitoring tools for informed decision-making on nitrogen application. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce nitrogen-related costs, enhance nitrogen efficiency, and improve farm productivity, all while considering environmental sustainability, particularly regarding nitrogen losses and fertiliser use. To ensure effective adoption, the project will include targeted extension activities to communicate the findings and support growers in implementing these practices, ultimately leading to improved NUE.