Stoller's integrated solutions for cane

摘要

Stoller's Integrated Solutions (SIS) is a program developed to provide growers with a guide to the what, when, where and how of using Stoller products. Most of the work in Australia has been done in the Northern cane regions. The original trials were laid down in the Mirani region west of Mackay. At planting, the SIS program has shown that we can increase the evenness and speed of germination which can be attributed to improved root development. This provides a stronger establishment, setting the crop up for better yields. Since 2009 data has shown yields achieving levels from 5-20% above the grower's standard program in a wide range of areas. Following on from the planting program the post-harvest program has provided an improvement in the regeneration of the crop and replicated the planting data to maintain the initial yield increases achieved then. Replicated as well as commercial trials have provided average yields 12.5-13.2% over the control program. More importantly the return-on-investment income also showed $390-436/ha/annum. Additional work on products that can help with boosting sugar storage and production in the production cycle, 90 days after harvesting up to pre-harvest, is also being carried out. Overseas data is being replicated in Australia. Other aspects of SIS are the effects on soil structure, biology and nutrient balance. Soil tests have shown improved nutrient availability, disease/pest balance, stronger root penetration in soil profile. The SIS program has maintained viable production levels at 85 t/ha versus 68 t/ha despite pachymetra levels of over 400,000 spores per kg of soil (control levels were 310,000 spores per kg). At the end of the day it all comes down to profit for the farmer. On the farm where we have had trials in place since 2009 the average yield has continued to increase, which goes against the mill-area average which is trending down. The 2015 farm average was 95 t/ha versus a mill average of 75 t/ha.