An evaluation of the possibility of using minimum tillage in a cane/peanut rotation farming system: a grower group perspective

Abstract

ROTATION cropping has been identified by the Sugar Yield Decline Joint Venture (SYDJV) as a critical tool in addressing yield decline in the Australian sugar industry. Previous research demonstrates that when break crops are combined with correct row spacing, GPS guidance and minimal cultivation they can be powerful tools in addressing yield decline. Producers on poorer sandy soil have found that the nematode controlling effects of growing peanuts as a break crop is more beneficial than other legumes. The industry standard for peanut production in cane based farming systems involves a number of cultivations. There is ample evidence demonstrating that cultivation is detrimental to soil biology and structure. The Sustainable Sugar and Peanut Agriculture (SSPag) grower group investigated the commercial potential of growing peanuts as a rotation crop under reduced/zero tillage regimes. The findings from the first project led to the development of a prototype planter for the second project. This paper highlights the difficulties in implementing all components of the new farming system and identifies the need for more research to raise the productivity of a reduced/zero tillage system to conventional levels.