To evaluate the reduction of nutrients on late-harvested crops which have a lower yield potential
The 2016 harvest season in the Mackay Sugar mill area did not finish until December. The blocks cut late in the year will have reduced yield in the 2017 season simply due to the fact that the growing season has been shortened by the late cut. This trial will investigate the possibility of reducing fertiliser on blocks with an expected reduction in yield potential.
Because the crop has compromised yield, applying lower rates of nutrients should have no negative impact on crop growth. Better matching fertiliser use to the yield potential can lead to increases in nutrient use efficiency, reduced loses and increased profitability.