What was it all about?

This investment was one component of a larger collaborative program spanning the horticulture, cotton, dairy and sugar sectors, funded through the Australian Government’s Rural R&D for Profit initiative.

Led by the Cotton Research & Development Corporation, More Profit From Nitrogen: enhancing the nutrient use efficiency of intensive cropping and pasture systems was established to help primary producers increase nitrogen use efficiency. This particular sub-project investigated nitrogen requirements and management in cherry orchards to help increase the quantity and quality of cherry yields.

Research showed that nitrogen uptake efficiency in cherry orchards can be improved through better timing of applications, more frequent low-dose fertigation, and closer management of irrigation to reduce losses to the environment. The work also demonstrated that applying excessive nitrogen does not improve yield or fruit quality and can reduce efficiency.

More information on the broader More Profit From Nitrogen program can be found at www.crdc.com.au/more-profit-nitrogen.