To compare cane yields and soil analysis from locations where liquid fertiliser has been applied sub-surface compared to liquid fertiliser that has been applied to the surface
There is always a risk that fertilisers applied onto the top of the soil are subjected to greater loss pathways than fertilisers applied sub-surface. Liquid fertiliser supplied as Dunder is traditionally applied onto the surface of the soil with irrigation used to incorporate the fertiliser into the soil.
The grower wants to apply liquid fertiliser into the sub-surface of the soil at an approximate depth of 100mm. The rationale for this practice change is that nutrients will be more readily available to the plant and will also reduce the risk of being lost either by volatilisation or washed out of the paddock from heavy rainfall events or irrigation.