The findings of the latest CRDC annual Grower Survey were released in October, with a new section focused on alternative energy sources. The survey collected interesting feedback from growers about their awareness of and opinions on a range of topics, including alternative energy, specifically, solar and biodiesel. It shows that growers are very open to alternative energy sources.
The survey asked growers if they would look at substituting biodiesel for traditional diesel fuel if it were possible to make locally from relevant cropping feedstocks, such as canola. Almost four in five respondents agreed - a finding that was consistent across all regions (ranging from 72 per cent to 100 per cent) and all farm sizes (ranging from 63 per cent to 91 per cent).
Use of EEFs expanding
Nutrition and soil were another focus in the survey. Growers were asked which products they used, rates of application, and if they used enhanced efficiency fertilisers (EEFs), which include controlled or slow-release fertiliser, nitrification and urease inhibitors.
One in six growers surveyed used EEFs in the 2024-25 cotton season. This is an increase from four per cent in the last survey. The extent of use of EEFs was higher among growers in Central Qld (38 per cent), and slightly higher on larger farms (24 per cent). Nearly 80 per cent said they did soil tests to measure mineral nitrogen prior to cotton planting.
CRDC Innovation Broker, Dr Nicola Cottee, manages investments related to soil health and nutrition, and said the annual CRDC Grower Survey was useful in reflecting the level of integration of research on farms, and identifying where knowledge gaps existed and further research was required.
"We anticipate increasing use of EEFs in line with market and finance signals around low emissions cotton, so we're investing in R&D to ensure that the emissions factors for EEF use in cotton are accurate," Nicola explained.
"This is so that growers can capture value from investing in low emissions fertilisers by accessing green finance or through markets, for example.
"We're also working with the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC to benchmark the performance of these products, so that there's a way for growers to get independent information about the greenhouse gas emissions for EEFs.
"CRDC is a major supporter and collaborator with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in a project to predict and directly measure the impact of EEF nitrogen fertiliser on emissions and production in cotton fields."
CRDC is also investing in LEIFS (Low Emissions Intensity Farming Systems) for cotton so that growers can try integrating EEFs into their farming systems in a low-risk manner and share their experience with others in their region.
The Cotton LEIFS project is part of a broader initiative developed by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). It is delivered in NSW and Queensland by NSW DPIRD and Qld DPI. In addition, Cotton Australia is partnering with CRDC and the Australian National University to conduct whole farm GHG audits, with support from Better Cotton.
Insight into practice
Through the survey, growers also shared information on their workforce, integrated pest management approaches, disease incidence, concerns about the impact of riparian weeds and their thoughts on CRDC and CottonInfo.
"The CRDC Grower Survey is an annual initiative that is important because it offers us an insight into what our growers are doing, thinking and managing," Nicola said.
Visit the CRDC 2025 Grower Survey
