Fostering the Adoption of Variable Rate Fertiliser Application for Improved Nutrient Use Efficiency
Project Background
Rising fertiliser and fuel costs continue to place pressure on grain growers to maximise the return on every input investment. At the same time, growers are increasingly recognising that variability exists within every paddock, with different soil types, yield potential zones, and management constraints influencing crop response across the landscape.
Applying the same fertiliser rate across an entire paddock can result in some areas receiving more nutrients than they can effectively utilise, while other areas may not receive enough to achieve their production potential. Variable Rate Technology (VRT) offers an opportunity to improve nutrient use efficiency by matching fertiliser inputs to the productive capacity and nutrient requirements of different zones within a paddock.
Growers are seeking practical, regionally relevant examples that demonstrate how VRT can be integrated into real farming systems and whether it can improve profitability and nutrient use efficiency.
Project Summary
This project is a GRDC-supported national project led by the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA), in collaboration with Curtin University’s Centre for Crop Disease Management, Charles Sturt University, and a national network of consultants working with growers across Australia. It aims to investigate how VRT can support improved nutrient management decisions and enhance farm profitability.
Participating growers and consultants will work together over two growing seasons to develop and analyse multi-season input and yield datasets. These datasets will be used to test variable rate fertiliser strategies and generate robust, regionally relevant evidence to support future adoption.
Facey Group will support project delivery within the region by coordinating extension activities, facilitating knowledge exchange between growers and consultants, and helping share local experiences and lessons learned through field walks, case studies, digital content, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
Throughout the project, growers will have opportunities to engage in field walks, learn from local case studies, and gain practical insights into how VRT can be implemented to improve nutrient use efficiency and profitability within broadacre farming systems.
Further Information
Project Start Date: 2025
Project End Date: 2027
Project Funding: Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)
Project Lead: Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA)
Research Partners: Curtin University Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) and Charles Sturt University
Regional Delivery Partner: Facey Group
