Services to Support Cane Farmer Trials of Enhanced Efficiency Fertilisers in the Catchments of the Great Barrier Reef

The outcomes of this project will be completed trials of EEF products over multiple cane farms across all cane growing regions of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment, over multiple growing seasons. Trials will be designed, conducted and monitored in line with protocols stipulated by the Department and the Office of the Great Barrier Reef. Trial design will be informed by a concurrent National Environmental Science program (NESP) EEF research project and be tailored to regional environmental conditions and production systems. Trial designs and monitoring requirements will be subject to annual review by a Technical Steering Group and revised as required.
Trials must result in a significant improvement in NUE on engaged farms, resulting in a significant and cost effective reduction in fertiliser nitrogen losses to the GBR. Trials will also contribute effectively towards the development of a decision support tool for future use by cane growers to assist them to evaluate the suitability of EEF technology to increase the profitability and sustainability of their farm operations.