Nitrogen (N) management is an issue that has a major influence on productivity, profitability, social, cultural, and environmental aspects of the sugarcane industry in Australia. If it's done right, the industry can be prosperous, productive, and efficient, while achieving environmental recognition and social license to operate. Incorrect application (over or under application) will severely impact the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of growers, millers, harvester contractors, and rural communities along Australia's eastern seaboard. The optimisation of N inputs for specific circumstances will ensure profitable cane production in combination with environmental responsibility.

While there has been a net decline in average N application rates with time, and a reduction in losses of N fertiliser, the SIX EASY STEPS program’s guidelines encourage development of more precise rates of application.

This project will update and refine the SIX EASY STEPS program that is accepted currently as the basis for best practice nutrient management (BMP) within the Australian sugar industry. It will enable the intended continuous improvement/learning cycle of the SIX EASY STEPS to be used within the package itself. This will allow new or revised N guidelines and management options to be available to growers and their advisers.