Project Bluewater
Project Bluewater is an on-ground initiative working to improve pesticide use efficiency in the Mackay-Whitsunday and Lower Burdekin region. Throughout 2019 and 2020, specialist Farmacist agronomists have been working with over 140 farms to support sugarcane growers in their chemical choice and application strategies.
The project involves:
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Tailored, spatially mapped, whole farm pesticide management plans
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Spray rig assessment and calibrations
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Advanced spray application and pesticides workshops
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Support with pesticide application data recording, to comply with legal requirements
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Grower driven field trials
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Substantial boom upgrades and weather monitoring equipment
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Agronomic advice for duration of project
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Nozzle upgrades and spray water quality analysis
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This project is funded through the Australian Government’s Reef Trust in partnership with the Great barrier Reef Foundation and Farmacist Pty Ltd
Project Bluewater is set to run until June 2024. If you would like more information on the project or want to be involved, contact your nearest Farmacist representative.
Resources
Project Bluewater Fact Sheets
Are all Floodjets the same? In October 2018 the APVMA introduced new label requirements for products containing the active ingredient 2,4-D.
Floodjet Nozzles
June 2020
Recent legislative changes regarding the use of 2 4 D, have meant that the Irvin spraying system must be upgraded to comply with spray droplet requirements.
Legs to Dropper
June 2020
Poor quality spray water can significantly reduce the effectiveness of glyphosate and 2,4-D amine (and other pesticides).
Spray Water Quality
June 2020
Aim: To trial Trifluralin as a pre-emergent weed control option in plant cane.
Trifluralin for Pre-Plant
Jan 2022
A trial was carried out to compare these residuals against alternative products, looking at weed control and chemical runoff.
Alternative Herbicide Demonstration
Nov 2020
A Case Study: Alternatives to Diuron for the pre-emergent control of weeds in early tillering plant cane
Alternative to Diuron
July 2022
Sandy soils with low cation exchange capacity (CEC) are often problematic for growers to manage herbicides and weeds effectively.
Weed Management on Sandy Soils
July 2021
A demonstration trial was established to compare the performance of 3 residual herbicide alternatives to commonly used Diuron®, applied to the trash blanket after harvest.
Residual Herbicide Comparison
July 2021