Australian grain growers are on the brink of a significant transformation in their approach to nitrogen use, thanks to a groundbreaking national research initiative aimed at enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions on farms. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the University of Melbourne with a substantial AUS $17.33 million investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), is set to explore the potential of enhanced efficiency fertilisers (EEFs) over the next four years.
EEFs are designed to optimize nitrogen release, aligning nutrient supply with crop demands to minimize the risk of nitrogen loss. This innovative approach comes at a critical time, as farmers face rising input costs and increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Nigel Hart, Managing Director of GRDC, emphasizes the urgency of this research, stating, “We are keenly aware of the pressures our sector is facing from high input costs, particularly for nitrogen. There is a very real need to ensure we are using the most efficient fertilisers in the most efficient way.”
The project aims to address a pressing gap in knowledge regarding the efficacy of various EEF technologies across different climates and agroecosystems. While several EEFs are commercially available, their performance and benefits in diverse settings remain largely uncharted. Associate Professor Helen Suter from the University of Melbourne highlights the necessity for growers to receive clear recommendations on which technologies are most effective under specific conditions. “Growers are looking for recommendations of what technologies work where, when, why, and how, to make informed decisions about their nitrogen management strategies,” Suter explains.
To provide these insights, the project will establish a network of field trials across Australia, evaluating commercially available EEF technologies alongside conventional nitrogen fertilisers. These technologies include urease inhibitors, nitrification inhibitors, dual inhibitors, and controlled-release fertilisers, all designed to target various nitrogen loss pathways such as denitrification and nitrate leaching. Complementary controlled-environment studies will delve into the mechanics of soil nitrogen cycling, enhancing the understanding of how these fertilisers can improve nitrogen use efficiency and reduce emissions.
The implications of this research extend beyond immediate economic benefits. As Cristina Martinez, GRDC’s sustainable cropping systems manager, notes, EEFs have emerged as a viable option for reducing on-farm greenhouse gas emissions while improving nitrogen use efficiency. However, their adoption has been hindered by factors such as higher costs compared to standard fertilisers and uncertainty regarding their field performance and return on investment. By demonstrating the effectiveness of EEF technologies, the project aims to provide growers with the clarity they need to make informed decisions that maximize their investment.
The collaboration within the project is extensive, involving multiple research organizations and industry partners, including the University of Queensland, CSIRO, and several agricultural companies. This collective effort signifies a unified approach to tackling the challenges of modern agriculture, particularly in light of sustainability requirements that are becoming increasingly stringent.
As the project unfolds over the next four years, results are expected to emerge by 2028, offering growers vital insights into which EEF technologies will yield the best results in their specific production systems. The research not only holds the potential to enhance productivity and profitability for Australian grain growers but also aligns with broader sustainability goals for the agricultural sector. By advancing nitrogen use efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this initiative could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of farming in Australia.