Projects
Improving farmers skills and knowledge with moisture monitors in break crops in sugarcane fallows
The project aimed to demonstrate to farmers with little or no irrigation capacity that growing a legume break crop during their sugarcane fallow period would not compromise their following new plant cane crop. The project addressed the misconception among dryland growers that a break crop in the fallow would dry the ground too much and impact the subsequent cane crop.
The project established two farm demonstration sites: one irrigated and one dryland. At the irrigated site, mung beans were planted in August 2022, followed by soybeans in January 2023. Soil moisture sensors were installed and monitored to maintain sufficient moisture levels and compare crop use with fallow areas. The results showed successful crops with minimal irrigation, demonstrating that break crops can be managed effectively. At the dryland site, a Sunn Hemp crop was planted in January 2023 and monitored until May 2023. The sensors indicated that the crop was rain-grown and terminated with moisture still available for the following cane crop.
The project achieved several key outcomes, including the successful establishment of demonstration sites with grower participation, regular monitoring and data sharing, and extensive outreach to growers through newsletters, shed meetings, and field days. The project demonstrated that soil moisture sensors are an excellent management tool for break crops and can be integrated into daily farming practices. The sensors, which are cost-effective and easy to install, provided valuable insights into moisture retention and helped dispel misconceptions about break crops.
Overall, the project provided a positive outcome by showing that break crops are a viable option for dryland growers when managed correctly with the aid of soil moisture sensors. The project also highlighted the benefits of using these sensors for irrigation scheduling in cane crops, contributing to improved soil health and productivity.
The project established two farm demonstration sites: one irrigated and one dryland. At the irrigated site, mung beans were planted in August 2022, followed by soybeans in January 2023. Soil moisture sensors were installed and monitored to maintain sufficient moisture levels and compare crop use with fallow areas. The results showed successful crops with minimal irrigation, demonstrating that break crops can be managed effectively. At the dryland site, a Sunn Hemp crop was planted in January 2023 and monitored until May 2023. The sensors indicated that the crop was rain-grown and terminated with moisture still available for the following cane crop.
The project achieved several key outcomes, including the successful establishment of demonstration sites with grower participation, regular monitoring and data sharing, and extensive outreach to growers through newsletters, shed meetings, and field days. The project demonstrated that soil moisture sensors are an excellent management tool for break crops and can be integrated into daily farming practices. The sensors, which are cost-effective and easy to install, provided valuable insights into moisture retention and helped dispel misconceptions about break crops.
Overall, the project provided a positive outcome by showing that break crops are a viable option for dryland growers when managed correctly with the aid of soil moisture sensors. The project also highlighted the benefits of using these sensors for irrigation scheduling in cane crops, contributing to improved soil health and productivity.
