NEW FERTILISER MANAGEMENT TOOL TO HELP SAVE REEF

Queensland Government scientists are developing a new tool to help landholders minimise the risk of fertiliser run-off into coastal water catchments.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said scientists from his department were developing a science-based computer program called ‘SafeGauge for Nutrients’.

“Landholders and industry have made great progress in adopting sustainable land management practices,” Mr Wallace said.

“However, some agricultural practices have affected water quality in the Great Barrier Reef catchments.

“For example, using too much fertiliser on crops can harm the environment when nutrients find their way into estuaries and inner-shore reefs as run-off after seasonal storms. These extra nutrients can damage coral reefs.”

Mr Wallace said the computer program assessed the risk of off-site movement of nitrogen and phosphorus from a crop block. Off-site movement includes loss of nutrients in surface water, or leaching of nutrients to groundwater in well-drained soils.

“To use this program, the landholder locates the crop block on a map of Queensland using a zoom tool that shows individual property boundaries,” Mr Wallace said.

“Once the property is found, the landholder enters information about fertiliser type, rate, placement and time of application, and this is linked to soils information and annual rainfall for that particular block.

“SafeGauge for Nutrients then assesses the risk of nutrient loss. The program does not give fertiliser recommendations, such as how much to use, but it allows the landholder to see how changing fertiliser management practices affects nutrient loss.

“I applaud the recent announcement by the Federal Opposition Leader, Kevin Rudd, who said $200 million will be spent by a Rudd Government to help farmers protect the reef.

“Mr Rudd said modern scientific practices would be used to help reduce runoff – and hopefully SafeGauge could contribute to this vital work.”

Mr Wallace said the program offered several benefits to landholders.

“Not only does it help them adjust their fertiliser use to prevent run-off and leaching losses, but it will save them money too because they will be maximising the recovery of fertiliser by the crop,” he said.

SafeGauge for Nutrients is currently configured for the Queensland sugarcane production system.

With support from the Natural Heritage Trust, SafeGauge is being adapted for horticulture using the banana and vegetable production systems as case studies.

Scientists expect the product will be available for use by growers in late 2008.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.