Sugar Cane, Queensland, Australia, 42 & 50 Hectare paddocks, 2004-2009

Outcomes: Use of micro-biological approach results in:

• Significant increase in Commercial Cane Sugar content (15%)

• CCS content first cut always 2 units above the mill previous 25 yr avg

• Reductions in inorganic N fertilizer use (200 kg/h to 80 kg/ha)

• Soil water holding capacity increase (400%)

• Weeds have reduced – hardly used no chemicals last 5 yrs

• Cane more drought tolerant

• Soil getting looser and building structure

• Paddock owner: “Cane might appear to grow slowly initially but we get continuous growth when everyone’s cane has stopped growing, especially through winter and early spring”