Cane farming brothers regenerate soil using natural systems

July 27, 2023

Sustainable Table speaks with cane farmers John & Michael Attard about the journey they took from conventional farming, using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, to utilising natural systems to regenerate soil health.

Video story by Sustainable Table, March 2022. Reproduced here with permission.

Snapshot

  • The Attard brothers noticed a decline in farmer's health over the years, leading them to take a positive step away from using synthetic herbicides, chemicals, and pesticides.
  • Their focus is now on improving soil quality by increasing organic matter content, enhancing water infiltration, and using calcium-magnesium ratios to promote water holding capacity.
  • They emphasize the importance of fertilizers, especially those containing plant-available calcium and phosphorus, to support crop growth and mineral absorption.
  • The brothers adopt regenerative farming practices by using compost, native microbes, and fungal-rich fertilizers to enhance soil health and fertility.
  • By transitioning from synthetic fertilizers to biological fertilizers and employing innovative techniques like banning and compost extraction, they have significantly reduced production costs.
  • They advise starting with a small area to experiment with regenerative practices, learning from mistakes, and gradually implementing successful techniques across the farm for sustainable long-term results.

Topics discussed

Increase productivity
Land and water stewardship
Nutrient management
Pests, weeds and diseases
Soil management and break crops
Technology and innovation
Supporting Organisations

CaneRise is funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program to help cane growers implement practices that improve their cane, soil and water quality in Reef catchment areas. CaneRise was originally created as part of a project funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

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CaneRise Mackay Whitsunday acknowledges the Traditional owners of the land, the Yuwibara people, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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