OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

Dryland cropping

• • • The use of SC™/BC™ machines requires a ONE-OFF cost of ripping or chisel ploughing to a depth of 200 – 300 mm, BUT their use ensures deep ripping or chisel ploughing will never again be needed.

• • • Seasonal renovation AND seeding of deep seedbeds are done in one operation that requires  > 50% LESS HP/fuel than one-pass seeding.

• • • SC™/BC™ operations are best done in a controlled traffic regime BUT, this MAY not be necessary.

• • • The drier and undisturbed surface of SC/BC seedbeds reduces weed germination, and reduces the costs of weed control.

• • • The well-aerated seedbeds of SC/BC substantially reduce or eliminate soil-borne diseases.

• • • Soil amendments such as  gypsum and lime are no longer required.

• • • Over time, the increase in soil organic matter and soil biology populations will reduce the need for nitrogen fertiliser.

• • • Improved root-zone soil conditions will ensure longer cropping phases and lessen the need for pesticides and crop rotation.

Irrigation cropping

SC™/BC™ practice for irrigation cropping has all the benefits of dryland cropping, as well as reducing the number and cost of operations, such as:

• • • • Pupae busting for cotton crop;

• • • • Ratoon renovation of sugarcane beds;

• • • • Bed renovation generally; 

• • • • Seeding;

• • • • Subbing times  (2 to 4 times shorter);

• • • • Water application times (30% to 70% shorter, i.e, less labour);

• • • • Deep drainage losses (much less; more water retained in 0 -300 mm deep seedbed);

• • • • Irrigation water usage (> 25% less, i.e., 1 – 2 ML / ha / irrigation season.

PROFIT IMPROVEMENTS

Dryland and Irrigation cropping

• • • Increased dryland and irrigation crop yields, by > 25 %, worth > ~ $ 300,000 / 1,000 ha / yr;

• • • Drought and waterlogging resilient yields – RELIABLE, SUSTAINED higher productivity;

• • • Carbon Credits income worth > $3.85 million /1,000 ha / 6 years;

• • • Less irrigation water use, by > 25%, and reduced operational costs.