Cotton growers are trying to shake the industry’s bad image. Photos: Dave Hunt/AAP
Cotton growers are looking at ways to improve their soil, and the industry’s reputation.
Described as environmentally “destructive” by conservationists, the cotton industry can get a bad rap. But growers are trying to shake that image.
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“It’s a misinterpretation to say that cotton crops are environmentally unfriendly,” Cotton Research Development Corporation’s innovation boss Meredith Conaty said.
“Cotton growers are in it for the long term and that means they have to look after their soil.”
In work commissioned by the corporation, researchers are examining how soil health on cotton farms can be improved by using cover crops.
Cover crops are planted to cover the soil rather than for harvest and help manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds and pests.
“We’ve known for a long time that cover crops work, but we’re really trying to get that in a regionally specific way,” Meredith said.
The idea is the information gathered will help growers understand how they can boost their soil health depending on where they are.
Eight farms across NSW and Queensland are taking part in the three-year research study which is about halfway through and being led by the University of Sydney’s Tom O'Donoghue.
Dr O'Donoghue said the trials were helping bring digital agriculture to the regenerative agriculture space.
“We think it should be defined in terms of outcomes. You know, improve the soil function, improve the biodiversity,” he said.
“We’re putting cover crops in to stimulate the soil life, the biology, so that when we do put the next cotton crop in, it will have a better chance.”
Boss of the research corporation Allan Williams said the cotton industry’s environmental credentials had been boosted, with growers doubling the amount of crop grown per unit of water over 30 years.
While the use of cover crops and crop rotation are not new, he said what was new was the push for more regenerative agricultural practices to be used.
“With this focus on regen ag from the supply chain, I think a lot of cotton farmers would say we’re doing that already,” Allan said.
“If you improve soil health, then you will also improve its ability to hold water and also therefore your water use efficiency.”
But conservationists continue to warn of the harm caused by the cotton industry.
“Cotton production in Australia has significant environmental impacts, including destructive deforestation for the expansion of cotton, and the suffocation of rivers and wetlands continentally through intensive water use and pollution from run-off,” Wilderness Society campaigner Jenita Enevoldsen said.
“Progress toward a more environmentally friendly and sustainable cotton industry is vital for both communities and nature.”
While admitting that irrigating cotton can be “unpopular” because of limited water availability, Meredith said the industry was doing its bit.
“We take a really holistic view of the industry and of the environment that we work in, and that includes caring for the long-term health and resilience of our soils,” she said.
Researchers are examining how soil health on cotton farms can be improved by using cover crops.
