This update provides a summary of the Australian cotton industry’s sustainability progress for the 12 months to 30 June 2021.
Water use efficiency in Australia has improved and about 48 per cent less water is now needed to grow a bale of cotton compared to 1993, according to the report. Emissions per bale have been estimated to have reduced 6 per cent from the previous year.
About 21 per cent of an average cotton farm is remnant native vegetation and insecticide hazard has reduced. Soil health measures are being developed and 30 per cent of growers are now using cover crops.
The report also stated that the yield has increased from previous two drought years, but it is below the long-term trend.
The report also pinpoints parts of the cotton production system not trending in the direction they should. For example, wetter seasons over the past two years, after a period of severe drought, have seen more weeds in fields and higher use of herbicides to control those weeds.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)
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