CCC Fertiliser & Sediment Management Insights
A review of nature-based systems (bioreactors and wetlands) to treat blueberry irrigation runoff
The Clean Coastal Catchments (CCC) Research project is assessing the effectiveness of nature-based systems for the removal of nitrogen from crop irrigation run off at the Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute. The trial began in 2023 with the installation of three bioreactors and one reed bed installed at the Wollongbar Blueberry Nutrition Research Facility to treat nutrient rich run off from 300 potted blueberry plants.
Improving the management of soilless growing media for potted Southern highbush blueberry, an Australian case study
This paper was presented by Dr Sophie Parks at the International Vaccinium Symposium, Nova Scotia Canada. Dr Parks is a Senior Research Scientist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and leads the Clean Coastal Catchments blueberry nutrition research team.
Macadamia nutrient replacement values and varietal variation
Clean Coastal Catchments (CCC) research on macadamia crop nutrient replacement values, aimed at improving fertiliser efficiency and reducing diffuse pollution, has been published in Department of Primary Industries grower guides targeting macadamia nutrition and soil health.
A study of seasonal leaf nitrogen in southern highbush blueberry grown as an evergreen crop in Australia
This paper was presented by Dr Sophie Parks at the International Symposium on Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Crops. Dr Parks is a Senior Research Scientist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and leads the Clean Coastal Catchments blueberry nutrition research team.
Greenhouse drain water recycling in protected cropping - the rewards and the realities
NSW DPI Research & Development Officer Luke Jewell looks at the benefits and challenges involved in retrofitting irrigation reycling in the protected cropping sector. Converting to a closed recycling hydroponic system can dramatically cut water use and reduce fertiliser inputs, but careful planning is needed to avoid risks to production.
Blueberry Nutrition: The Right Nitrogen Source
Dr Sophie Parks discusses the efficacy of various sources of nitrogen in fertigated blueberry production. As Dr Parks explains, supplying the 'right source' of nitrogen is the first step in the 4Rs approach to plant nutrition.
Options for erosion control in old dark macadamia orchards
NSW DPI Soil Scientist Justine Cox and Development Officer Jeremy Bright review the current recommendations for reducing soil movement in macadamia orchards and outline their research on mulching options to lower the risk of sediment and nutrients moving off farm into water ways.
Towards a better understanding of Nitrogen loss pathways and fertiliser management
Dr Lukas Van Zwieten evaluates the effectiveness of enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilisers, the benefits of slow release fertilisers, organic amendments, and biological nitrogen fixation, and the development of rapid testing for potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN), with regard to their role in improving productivity and reducing nutrient pollution
Why understanding soil texture is key to blueberry mound management
NSW DPI Soil Scientist Justine Cox discusses the significance of soil texture in managing blueberry mound nutrition. Considering soil texture is equally as important as testing for soil nutrients, as soil texture critically affects the plant’s capacity to access nutrition applied through fertigation.
