Soil scientist Dr Oliver Knox has applauded Darling Downs cotton growers for using minimal chemicals on pests and weeds and natural fertiliser to achieve soil and plant health.
Toowoomba-based agronomist Matthew Holding provides guidance across thousands of hectares of cotton including Insect Pest Management (IPM) and other sustainable farming practices.
“Due to timing and manure use, nitrogen applications in my region would be at least 40 per cent lower than the industry average,“ he said.
“They (the growers) still use herbicides but less than what they used to by using more residual products proactively.”
Dr Knox, from the University of New England, said IPM and the use of manures in Australian cotton/farming systems were well known.
“But, having confidence in your ability to produce crops without pesticides – and with reduced reliance on mineral fertilisers – requires careful stewardship of crops and soil,“ he said.
“Knowing what insects are in your crop, as well as what nutrients are removed from the fields at harvest becomes crucial. But, getting to this point takes time and dedication and these (Darling Downs) farmers have given that.”
Increasingly, farmers are applying bulky organic fertilisers such as manures, composts and biosolids on their fields to reduce reliance on synthetic mineral fertilisers.
Feedlots are close to Grant Porter’s Brookstead farm, meaning low cartage costs. He began using manure more than 20 years ago to ensure consistent nutrient delivery.
“There are two things that you achieve,“ Mr Porter said.
“The first is you get those good nutrients that are slower release and better for growing a plant in but, also, you are putting organic matter into the soil, which helps you hold more moisture.“
Cecil Plains farmer Tyson Armitage agrees with the benefits.
“We are seeing great results with soil health and there’s a big flow-on effect for us as a farm,“ he said.
“With manure you get so much more than just nitrogen, or whatever you are physically applying, it gives you a greater all-round result and good soil to grow crops in.”
Darling Downs grower of the year Johannes Roellgen has also been applying manure for more than two decades, ticking off all his potassium requirements through feedlot manure.
He has also made huge gains through Mr Holding’s IPM methods, which have meant less spraying.
“There are many growers doing the right thing and, as much as we are driven by improving yields and economic outcomes, we know we can only achieve this by having a sustainable system.”
Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said it was further evidence that Australia’s cotton farmers were among the world’s best.
“Consumers and brands are demanding top quality, sustainable cotton and this again shows that our farmers are always searching for ways to improve environmental and crop outcomes,“ he said.
“I know that cotton farmers across the country are adopting these practices and I have no doubt the outcomes for crops and the environment will continue to improve.“
