11 results for Input management

Sugar Research Australia has worked with local industry in the Rocky Point region to develop sustainable nutrient management guidelines for that area, helping improve profitability and sustainability.

Father and son team Larry and Ben Spann grow sugarcane on about 200 hectares of lease country in the Rocky Point region near Norwell in southeast Queensland.

They see a solid future for the industry to the point where they are developing more country for planting. However, at the same time, they are also acutely aware that the low sugar price means that they must be efficient with their inputs and reduce costs. 

Working as consultants, Tim Hyde, Ivor Gaylard and Rod Campbell could see the enormous benefits of efficient water use and nutrient management in agricultural production, but knew there was scope to systemise the way knowledge and advice was shared. Fast forward six years, and their platform SWAN Systems, is now making inroads to transforming water and fertiliser use on a global stage.

CSIRO’s latest invention, TranspiratiONal, a spray-on polymer membrane will help farmers increase crop yield and save water, but with fewer inputs and less environmental impact.

Farmers across the world have used plastic mulch films to intensify crop production since the 1960s. Applying a thin plastic film to rows of crops has proven short-term benefits, boosting yields by moderating soil temperature, maintaining soil moisture and reducing weed competition. TranspiratiONal, a Sprayable Biodegradable Polymer Membrane (SBPM) technology is CSIRO’s response to this global challenge.

The grain industry is a vital part of Australia’s economy, supplying 25% of the country’s agricultural gross value of production.

Nigel Hart, managing director of Australia’s Grain Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), says that given its important role in the food system — both at home and abroad — it’s critical that Australia’s grain industry fosters innovation through all available partners, including agtech startups. Tools that strengthen soils and yields, optimize input use, boost farm productivity and deliver, high-value, cleaner ingredients will ultimately help growers and food companies stay profitable in the face of climate change and shifting consumer preferences.

Smart Paddock, an end-to-end livestock monitoring and farm management system combining smart tags with software, is seeking a $1 million capital raise.

From antimicrobial resistance to improved climate and water risk management, one thing is clear: industry-led collaboration is key to solving some of our biggest challenges.

We go one-on-one with Dr John Kapeleris, CEO of BirdSol. This innovative agtech company has developed a patented bird deterrent and wildlife management technology based on an integrated AI system called Cherrp, and is seeking $3 million from investors to accelerate commercialisation. 

Forest growers across Australia have been enthusiastically exploring recently-launched technology that enables easy and affordable assessment of wood quality in standing trees.

The innovative tool also supports decision making relating to planting locations and forest management practices, to best serve the future quality of stands.

ARC Ento Tech is seeking $10 million Series A funding to help expand its patented waste management technology into global markets. The ARC process utilises the Black Soldier Fly to process mixed solid waste into high grade insect meal and high nutrient fertiliser. After overwhelming feedback from initial trials, the company is ready to take the next step.

An extension of the acoustic network around the Australian coastline is set to provide new information about tagged fish and other marine species, helping to improve fisheries management.

Dotted around Australia’s extensive coastline are hundreds of acoustic marine receivers – listening stations that form part of a national network, tracking the progress of tagged marine animals as they travel to feed, breed and play.

Forest growers can now easily and affordably assess wood quality across their resource, while also making decisions around location and management that will best serve the quality of their stands going forward.

Scientists behind a new research project say the ability to predict, maintain and improve timber quality in plantations will help decrease risk and improve the productivity, competitiveness and profitability of Australia’s growers and processors.