In this week’s Back to Basics video, HCPSL Extension Agronomist Adam Royle chats about soil pH. Throughout the video Adam unpacks what causes low soil pH, why a low pH is problematic to crop growth and how to improve your soil pH.
On a few occasions throughout the video Adam refers to last week’s episode on soil CEC. To watch last week’s video head to our Facebook page, YouTube channel or the HCPSL website.
As always – if you have feedback, questions or would like further information on the topic, please leave a comment for the team or contact HCPSL.
Episode 3: What is soil CEC, and why is it important?
In this episode, HCPSL Extension Agronomist Adam Royle explains Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). He discusses the importance of being aware of your soils CEC, and what factors determine the CEC. Finally, Adam explains how CEC levels impact your lime or gypsum application with a simple demonstration.
If you have feedback, questions or would like further information on topic, please leave a comment or contact the Project CaNE team at HCPSL.
Rat numbers are on the increase across the Herbert cane growing region. Growers are urged to monitor crops for rat infestations over the next few months and take the necessary action to manage this pest before significant crop damage occurs.
Lodged and open crops, since the recent rains have allowed for weeds to emerge within the crop and for rats to easily forage on laying down cane stalks. Significant crop damage due to rats was observed late last year and will continue again this season, due to ideal conditions being experienced.
HCPSL and Project Catalyst, recently conducted a workshop on “Rats, Pigs and Soils”, where Travis Van Dooren from Travearth Drone Services (mobile: 0423 638 628) showcased his drone mounted rat bait dispensing device. The device can drop industry approved rat baits from a drone precisely and accurately into large standing and lodged crops of cane. This service will allow farmers to target smaller blocks and blocks where larger aircraft cannot service.
Local aerial operators Liddles and Travearth are available to undertake rat baiting activities of large or small cane blocks in the local area.
As a part of an integrated rat management program farmers are also urged to manage weed infestations within crop and along riparian areas. Weed seed is a source of protein for rats and allows them to reproduce into significant numbers, if left unmanaged.
Growers should consider rat baiting problematic blocks as a part of their integrated rat management program before significant crop losses occur this year.
For more information about implementing an integrated rat management program, please contact a HCPSL Extension Agronomist.
Travis Van Dooren showcasing his drone-mounted rat bait dispenser at the recent HCPSL & Project Catalyst workshop.
In this video, HCPSL Extension Agronomist Ellie McVeigh discusses soil texture. Ellie provides a basic overview of soil texture, and how texture impacts nutrient & water holding capacity. Finally, the video covers how to conduct a ‘Ribbon Test’ in the field.
Links to the graphics used in this video can be found on the HCPSL website.
If you have feedback, questions or would like further information on the topic, please leave a comment or contact the Project CaNE team at HCPSL.
HCPSL Warrens Hill GPS base station is operational.
Recently HCPSL has made a significant investment, with the installation of a new GPS base station to its community network. The new base station will operate on frequency 466.1000. Like all HCPSL base stations in its network, it has been surveyed in for transferability between other base stations when operating across the district.
The new installation is part of a strategy to improve GPS base station signal across the Herbert cane growing region. During HCPSL’s recent Strategic Planning process (conducted in late 2021 and early 2022), HCPSL members identified the GPS network as critical to farm operations in the district and requested the company to continue to provide this service to its membership. The HCPSL Board recently approved its 2022-23 budget, with further upgrades and maintenance of the GPS network approved to be undertaken over the next few months.
For more information concerning the HCPSL GPS base station network please contact the HCPSL Manager.
Episode 1: Soils of the Herbert with Dr. Andrew Wood
Dr. Andrew Wood has been involved in the Australian Sugar Industry since the early 1980’s, working for CSR in the Herbert district. Andrew initiated a detailed soil mapping and analysis program, eventually covering over 50 000ha of the Herbert. Additionally, he has played a key role in encouraging the adoption of numerous best management practices across the industry.
In this video Dr. Andrew Wood will provide an overview of the various soil types across the Herbert district. He highlights the impact the Herbert and Stone river systems have had on distributing soils in the district.
If you have feedback, questions or would like further information on the topic, please leave a comment or contact the Project CaNE team at HCPSL.
Over the past few years, HCPSL has offered various Back to Basics Workshops to Herbert Growers. This year, as part of Project CaNE, the team has created a Back to Basics Virtual series.
The Back to Basics Virtual series will cover a range of topics, focusing on soil properties, nutrition, and ameliorants. Each topic will be discussed in a short video by a Project CaNE Team member or a guest presenter. The team has created the Back to Basics Virtual series to allow all growers access to information on basic soil properties.
A weekly Back to Basics episode will be available via Facebook, YouTube and the HCPSL website. Episode 1 will be presented by Dr. Andrew Wood, focusing on ‘Soils of the Herbert’.
Recent Comments