Sugar Research Australia is working with growers to help them develop a better understanding of the cause and effect of different nutrient and pesticide management decisions on block runoff and water quality at the farm level. For example, management decisions may relate to the choice of herbicide product or timing of application.

This brings the cause and effect back to farm level, builds growers’ knowledge of management practices tailored to their farm, and increased stewardship of the land and waterways.

The project’s methodology aims to accelerate the adoption of improved nutrient and pesticide management strategies, which have shown can reduce nitrogen and pesticide loads in runoff water.