Abstract

Fertilisers are essential to farming. They provide crops with the nutrients they need to grow.

Unfortunately, fertiliser run-off into local waterways leads to degraded water quality on the Reef, impacting reef health and its resilience to climate change. This run-off is also a main contributor to the outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) as the nutrients in fertilisers cause algae outbreaks that feed the starfish. COTS outbreaks are one of the major factors contributing to coral cover decline across the Great Barrier Reef.

Many people are working hard to ensure Queensland has productive and profitable farms and a thriving Great Barrier Reef. This is why farmers are working with agronomists and natural resource management groups to apply best practice management approaches to reduce fertiliser run-off.

Declining marine water quality is recognised as one of the most significant threats to the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef.

Find out more about other locally designed projects, innovations, technologies and science that contribute to improved water quality outcomes in Reef waters.

• Project Cane Changer
• RP155C Sub-soil constraints mapping to inform nutrient management in cropping industries
• Dual Herbicide Sprayer
• Banana and Grain BMPs
• BetterBunch App