Advanced Nutrient Solutions

Project Profile

Issues

In 2006, concerned by downward trends in cane farm productivity and practices including a continual decline in soil organic matter and rising input costs, a group of four local cane-farming families formed Advanced Nutrient Solutions Pty Ltd (ANS). After conducting extensive research, on-farm compost production – practiced by many sugar industries around the world but not yet in Australia – was considered the most appropriate practice to encompass the issues and improve grower long-term viability. ANS began developing on-farm composting techniques, sub-surface application machinery and high-quality specialised compost products.

Project Detail

Mirani’s Advanced Nutrient Solutions has been nominated for a National Landcare Award for introducing on-farm composting to Australia’s sugar cane industry and increasing awareness of its role in agricultural sustainability and productivity.

In 2006, concerned by downward trends in cane farm productivity and practices including a continual decline in soil organic matter and rising input costs, a group of four local cane-farming families formed Advanced Nutrient Solutions Pty Ltd (ANS). After conducting extensive research, on-farm compost production – practiced by many sugar industries around the world but not yet in Australia – was considered the most appropriate practice to encompass the issues and improve grower long-term viability. ANS began developing on-farm composting techniques, sub-surface application machinery and high-quality specialised compost products.

Achievements of the group to date include the development of the first sub-surface compost applicator in the world, the production of cane-specific composts from a variety of locally-sourced feed stocks and the establishment of replicated trial plots to monitor the effects on soil and cane productivity. ANS has also hosted two on-farm composting training events and participated in many other networking and information sessions.

In 2007, ANS received a grant from the Sugarcane Research Development Corporation (SRDC) and the Australian Government to fund research and development activities. Preliminary results from trial plots, in conjunction with results from research around the world, indicate strong potential for significant increases to commercial return, given a lower need for nutrient and chemical inputs and higher quality product. Research also shows a reduction of the carbon footprint, by increasing soil carbon content (thereby storing more carbon in the landscape) as well as reducing the CO2 lost from cane trash under conventional farming techniques. The trial plot has also recorded increases in soil biodiversity, and improvements in soil fertility, through the production and use of biologically active composts with targeted nutrient contents.

ANS has attracted strong interest from the industry, Government and broader community. Their discussions with State elected representatives has led to a steering committee for on-farm composting activities outside south-east Queensland. In addition, the success of a March 2010 composting workshop by the Australian Agricultural College Corporation has led to new curriculum within the Colleges, which may see on-farm composting training being delivered around the country. These activities demonstrate ANS’s strong commitment and success in promoting innovations in and greater awareness of how on-farm composting can increase agricultural sustainability and productivity whilst improving natural resource management.

Advanced Nutrient Solutions is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010. Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.

Photography

Advanced Nutrient Solutions