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Home > Publications and reports > Case studies > Babinda cane growers measure water quality in self-help scheme

Babinda cane growers measure water quality in self-help scheme

water quality testing kit

Babinda is located within a high-rainfall area approximately 60 kilometres south of Cairns, and is dominated by sugarcane farming.

A group of Babinda cane growers are continuing with an on-farm water quality monitoring project aimed at improving the sustainability of their cane farming enterprises while at the same time reducing the impact on the environment.

They began taking benchmark samples of water quality in waterways around their farms as the first step in a self-help project designed to measure and reduce run-off from their farms.

The project is just one of a number of proactive approaches implemented by cane growers around the state that are not only focused on improving the productivity of the industry, but also have positive implications for the environment and sustainability.

The initiative, aptly named For Farmers by Farmers, was instigated with the assistance of CANEGROWERS Babinda, with funding from the RWUE initiative.

The group’s successful application for RWUE funding was just the beginning for water monitoring in the district. It is a starting point that reflects increasing awareness by cane growers of the need for wise management of land and water resources.

The growers who have been involved in the water quality monitoring project keep records of application practices, the quantity of fertiliser and chemicals applied, and rainfall data. They use nitrate strips to test their waterways for nitrates during rainfall events. The local CANEGROWERS Babinda office collates the information in a central database that can be used by growers.

The farmers involved believe that their monitoring work assists them in making sound business decisions, as well as enhances their reputation in the community for being environmentally responsible and for conducting sustainable land and water management practices.

Find out more about CANEGROWERS (non-government site)

 

Last reviewed 03 March 2008

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