Scientists at the University of New England (UNE) are investigating a new data-driven approach to nitrogen fertiliser management in the cotton industry, and if successful, it could slash costs, optimise yields, and protect the planet.
Thanks to funding from the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), a feasibility study is now underway to explore the use of advanced satellite imagery and weather data to track crop growth and nutrient demand throughout the growing season.
Information based on this real-time data would be delivered through dashboards which growers could use make fertiliser application decisions.
“Cotton demand for nitrogen changes dynamically during the season, therefore timing applications to ensure there is availability to support high yields is important,” says project lead Associate Professor James Brinkhoff from UNE’s Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre.
“Therefore, tracking field-specific crop growth and demand dynamically through the season using remote sensing and weather models will allow targeted applications.”
Similar technology has already been widely adopted by the rice industry, after AARSC developed a system that’s now delivered commercially to guide growers on planting, irrigation, and harvest timing, and mid-season nitrogen applications.
Cotton demand for nitrogen changes dynamically during the season, therefore timing applications to ensure there is availability to support high yields is important.
As producers face rising fertiliser costs, a comparable tool for the cotton industry could help solve one of its toughest challenges.
“Under-application of fertiliser may result in not achieving productivity goals, while over-application can cause excess vegetative growth which complicates harvest and environmental impacts,” says Dr Brinkhoff.
“Recent research has indicated that there is considerable opportunity to reduce nitrogen applications without impacting profitability.
“This would improve nitrogen use efficiency and environmental impacts, while meeting industry productivity goals, which may become increasingly important with the current volatility in fertiliser costs.”
The feasibility study is one of just 11 across the country to receive funding as part of the CRDC’s Innovation Call, which aims to address some of the industry’s biggest challenges.
Growers will have the opportunity to hear more about the successful projects at the Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast in August.
“We have received some excellent field data from collaborators with more on the way,” says Dr Brinkhoff.
“Co-analysis of this data with remote sensing data is already showing promising results, and we hope to be able to continue to a full development project later in the year.”
