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Metagen Australia
Sugar cane

Unlock the full potential
of your crops.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane requires not only essential nutrients but also a dynamic soil ecosystem to thrive. Metagen’s biostimulant treatments are designed to:

· Enhance Nutrient Availability: By stimulating beneficial soil microbes, our biostimulants increase the release of bound phosphorus and improve nitrogen cycling. This process ensures that vital nutrients are made more accessible to the crop, promoting healthier growth and improved yield potential. Importantly, the nutrients remain well-integrated within the soil matrix, reducing the risk of them being washed off into sensitive ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef.

· Improve Soil Structure: In addition to boosting nutrient uptake, our biostimulants promote soil aggregation and enhance microbial activity, supporting robust root growth and efficient water use.

· Increase Crop Yields: Field trials have consistently demonstrated that incorporating our biostimulants into sugarcane management practices can lead to significant yield improvements. For example, one trial revealed that a treatment combining reduced nitrogen inputs with our biostimulant led to an average increase of 7.9 tonnes per hectare in whole stalk yield and an additional 1.3 tonnes per hectare in sugar yield compared to the standard fertiliser regime.

Application Methods for Sugarcane

Evergrow (Our Traditional Sugarcane Biostimulant):

• Rate: 4–10 L/Ha

• Method: Apply directly to the root zone with a stool splitter or side-dressing, or via tape/overhead irrigation as necessary.

• Frequency: Typically applied once a year at planting or during stool splitting/side banding.

 

  • Mackay region – Central Queensland

    Mackay

    In the Mackay region, growers have successfully integrated the Metagen system into their nutrient management programs, achieving significant improvements across multiple parameters. Enhanced water use efficiency has been observed as a result of improved aggregate stability and soil porosity, while streamlined fertiliser regimes have led to notable reductions in both nitrogen and phosphorus inputs. These advancements not only boost overall yields but also generate substantial cost savings and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

  • Mareeba region – Far North Queensland

    Mareeba

    In the challenging soils near Mareeba, our biostimulants have been applied to compacted black soils where poor structure was limiting crop growth. NDVI data from this trial revealed improved photosynthetic activity, with higher application rates showing the most marked response. The treatment also enhanced soil aggregation and microbial activity, setting the stage for sustained productivity improvements in difficult growing conditions.

  • Tully region – Far North Queensland

    Tully

    In the Tully region, comprehensive trials have validated the benefits of our biostimulant treatments on high-PBI dermosol soils. Led by agronomist Dr Charissa Rixon, the trial demonstrated that sugarcane treated with our biostimulant alongside a reduced nitrogen rate outperformed the standard treatment—with statistically significant improvements in whole stalk yield and notable cost efficiency through nitrogen savings.

For growers and agronomists seeking in-depth information on trial design, methodology, and detailed results, we offer the following:

Detailed Sugarcane Trial Report

This comprehensive document provides an in-depth overview of the Queensland cane trial, including detailed soil test data, yield analysis, and methodology.

Dore Sugarcane Trial Report

An insightful article on the application of our biostimulants in a controlled traffic system and its economic benefits.

Increased Biostimulant Exhibits Rate Response in Sugarcane Report

A case study from Mareeba that demonstrates the impact of our biostimulants in challenging soil conditions.

The Billet Newsletter (July 2023)

This downloadable newsletter features real-world experiences from growers in the Mackay region who are successfully using our biostimulants in sugarcane production.