Effect of applications of seaweed extract on sugarcane yield in Australia

Sugarcane growers are seeking innovations that will increase their productivity and profitability and enable sustainable farming practices. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of applying seaweed extract on sugarcane production and economics in Australia under commercial conditions and over an extended time frame (2014 to 2019). Seaweed extract significantly improved sugarcane productivity by an average of 17% (cane yield, sugar yield), and increased grower returns by 18% or AU$1,158/ha. This is the first publication to demonstrate the efficacy of seaweed extracts applied by sub-surface drip irrigation across such an extended number of cropping seasons. Key words Biostimulants, Saccharum, productivity, agriculture, revenue, soil biology