Research Site/Demonstration Number: SA02WB-01 and SA03WB-03
Grower Collaborator: Littabella Pines
Location 1: South Littabella Road, Yandaran
Start Date: December 2018
OUTLINE
To evaluate the potential of crop mulching and fallow cropping to reduce or eliminate the need for pre-plant nutrition and post-plant side dressing practices, and reduce fertiliser losses into the environment.
Phase 1: To evaluate the benefits of mulching (application and timing) against traditional crop destruction practices. Targeting improved soil and plant health.
Phase 2: To evaluate the benefits of breaking the pineapple monoculture with inter-fallow cropping to improve soil health and crop nutrition.
Phase 3: To evaluate the potential of reducing or eliminating pre-plant fertiliser and post-plant side dressing, through supplementing nutritional requirements through post plant foliar fertiliser programs.
Definition – Mulching is the maceration of the previous crop.
OBJECTIVES
Phase 1:
- To improve the methodology, application and timing of crop destruction practices.
- To better utilise the nutrition from previous crop residue and reduce pre-plant fertiliser requirements and costs for the next cropping cycle.
- To improve soil biology and measure the impact on soil borne disease.
- To compare costs of mulching against traditional crop destruction practices.
Phase 2:
- To successfully incorporate fallow cropping methodology, application and timing for better pineapple production systems.
- To evaluate the nutritional benefits from inter-fallow cropping to reduce fertiliser cost for the next cropping cycle.
- To compare cost effectiveness of inter-fallow cropping in pineapple production practices.
Phase 3:
- To undertake a cropping cycle with reduced or no pre-plant fertiliser.
- To undertake a cropping cycle with no side dressing.
- To undertake a cropping cycle with the primary source of nutrition being foliar fertiliser applications.
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