To investigate the impact of intercropping soybean with sugarcane ratoons on sugar cane yield and nitrogen stores
Soy bean are commonly utilised in fallow paddocks in the sugar cane system due to their ability to fix nitrogen into the soil, which can then be used for the following plant cane crop.
With pressure on growers to reduce their use of nitrogen fertiliser, alternative sources of nitrogen have been considered.
This trial will investigate whether a soy bean plant grown alongside a cane plant will contribute nitrogen without compromising yield.
Aside from benefits to nitrogen management, it is possible that having plant diversity will improve the health of the soil and in turn the cane crop.