5 years ago
CUTTING EDGE PLANTING TECHNOLOGY TO SAVE SOIL
David Littleproud MP
Grain, sugar and cotton farmers could soon be saving precious soil, time and money with a $768,500 Liberal and Nationals Government investment into efficient planting technology.
The ‘no till’ project will use ultra-high pressure water jets to make precision cuts in the soil and also inject nutrient, ready to plant seeds in.
This minimises soil disturbance, conserving soil and nutrient. The project will also explore other ways to use the technology.
“This keeps valuable water and nutrients in the soil,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This means farmers don’t dig up the land which will keep the soil intact and maintain ground cover.
“Retaining soil moisture will be more and more important in the future - every drop of water counts.
“This also has big environmental benefits in places like Northern Queensland where reducing runoff can help protect the Great Barrier Reef.
“The South Australian No-Till Farmers Association will get the project together, drawing on the experience of dozens of pioneering farmers.
“The project will be developed across all six states with farmers, peak bodies and industry professionals sharing their experiences and knowledge.
“This technology will give crops the best chance of success leading to higher yields in both good and dry seasons.
“It will also save farmers money by reducing waste and helping them more effectively apply herbicides – a benefit to the environment and the farmer’s hip pocket.”
The project is expected to see trials nationally with interest already expressed from producers in Goondiwindi, Moree, Narrabri, Narromine and Spring Ridge.
The technology has on-farm application for a range of crops across the country including grains, sugar, cotton and pasture.
[ENDS]
The ‘no till’ project will use ultra-high pressure water jets to make precision cuts in the soil and also inject nutrient, ready to plant seeds in.
This minimises soil disturbance, conserving soil and nutrient. The project will also explore other ways to use the technology.
“This keeps valuable water and nutrients in the soil,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This means farmers don’t dig up the land which will keep the soil intact and maintain ground cover.
“Retaining soil moisture will be more and more important in the future - every drop of water counts.
“This also has big environmental benefits in places like Northern Queensland where reducing runoff can help protect the Great Barrier Reef.
“The South Australian No-Till Farmers Association will get the project together, drawing on the experience of dozens of pioneering farmers.
“The project will be developed across all six states with farmers, peak bodies and industry professionals sharing their experiences and knowledge.
“This technology will give crops the best chance of success leading to higher yields in both good and dry seasons.
“It will also save farmers money by reducing waste and helping them more effectively apply herbicides – a benefit to the environment and the farmer’s hip pocket.”
The project is expected to see trials nationally with interest already expressed from producers in Goondiwindi, Moree, Narrabri, Narromine and Spring Ridge.
The technology has on-farm application for a range of crops across the country including grains, sugar, cotton and pasture.
[ENDS]