CSIRO, sugarcane farmers protecting Great Barrier Reef

Georgia Fryer

New platform gives real-time nitrogen runoff information

A new CSIRO-created platform, 1622WQ , allows sugarcane farmers in Far North Queensland to manage fertiliser use and reduce nitrogen runoff into the Great Barrier Reef.

The online platform has been optimised for mobile screens, making it much more practical for sugarcane farmers in the field, according to Tony Webster, research agronomist with CSIRO Agriculture and Food.

Webster notes, “The platform provides real-time information to farmers which was previously only available four times a year.”

CSIRO Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, said “solving complex challenges like protecting the Great Barrier Reef require deep innovation, but it’s also important that the end result is a simple and intuitive product like this platform.”

“We’ve paired our deep domain expertise in agriculture with digital technology to provide a solution for farmers who want to remain efficient and competitive while also reducing their impact on the environment,” she explained.

The free platform uses high-frequency nitrate sensors and high-density rain gauges positioned in selected coastal catchments to collect data on nitrogen concentration and rainfall variability.

This helps farmers relate their management practices to water quality in local waterways.

According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science , land runoff causes build-up of containments which smother and weaken coral and other organisms, as well as reducing light for coral and seagrass photosynthesis.

The platform was co-designed with farmers to meet their needs according to CSIRO agricultural scientist and 1622WQ project leader Dr Peter Thorburn.

“Sugarcane growers told us they wanted quick and easy access to water quality information so they could find out what’s going on with their crops and make better decisions,” he said.

Sugarcane grower and Chairman of Canegrowers in the Cairns Region, Stephen Calcagno, said “this will be a great tool for farmers to see the impact of their farm management and help them improve their practises and the environment.”

Whilst the platform is best suited for nitrate and sediment sensors, farmers can test its compatibility against other sensors.

Webster said further developments will be made to the platform with the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) which will flag and fill data imputations.

Additional platforms will join the 1622 series, including 1622WhatIf and 1622Crop, which will help farmers evaluate the risks and benefits of changing nitrogen fertiliser applications and help farmers use less nitrogen-based fertiliser without affecting their profits.

The name 1622 comes from the height of Queensland’s tallest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere.

NEWS
April 12, 2025
Innovation, technological solutions and teamwork – those were the themes that comprised the first GrowHer ag-tech event in Rockhampton this week. 
April 12, 2025
Following the biggest first day crowds in decades, it’s officially Day 2 of the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show (the Show) and excitement is only building! 
April 12, 2025
New Zealand farmers are well-accustomed to turning sunlight into food and fibre. Now, as Mike Casey writes, there’s an opportunity to turn that sunlight into something else that will benefit New Zealand and the rural sector: renewable electricity.
By Crestmead, Queensland (18 March, 2025) April 11, 2025
John Deere has announced new automation and efficiency updates on 2026 model combine harvesters that provide more capabilities and boost productivity by up to 20%* on Australian farms.
March 6, 2025
With efficient and lower emission energy solutions uppermost on farmers’ minds, ELGAS is committed to working with Australia's agricultural sector with LPG.
By Michael Crowley February 10, 2025
Following from another record year for beef production and exports, we anticipate opportunities for Australian beef to continue into 2025, especially in markets like the US which is in a cattle herd rebuild and was our number one export destination for beef in 2024.
Show More