Addressing the fundamentals of cropping-systems that deliver sustainable growth of agriculture sector in the Northern Territory

Improving productivity and profitability of the Northern Territory cropping system is crucial for sustainable growth of the Territory’s agriculture sector, topical research, development efforts and major infrastructure developments are supportive of establishing a self-sustained cotton industry. .

However, knowledge gaps in crop establishment, agronomy, biosecurity, technical skills, and an in-depth understanding of the social aspects associated with barriers to growth of broadacre cropping in the Northern Territory need to be adequately addressed, if the sector is to fully realise its potential.

This 4 year project is addressing the basic requirements of sustainably growing cotton under intensive cropping system with rain-fed conditions. The project is conducting a series of trials on commercial farms in the Douglas Daly and Katherine regions of the Northern Territory.

The trials include crop establishment, rotation and cover crops, nutrition management, pest and disease monitoring and management. Alongside the trials, the project will map the soil and water profile in the potential cotton growing areas in the Northern Territory. In addition, the project will conduct scenario-planning workshops to understand the economic and environmental impact of the project recommendations.

The project will explore the scope and potential of transforming Aboriginal land to commercial broadacre cropping. Finally, the project will build capacity of the growers, researchers, and Aboriginal land councils for identifying and addressing the evolving challenges of the Northern Territory cropping industry.

Find out more Crcna website

Contact: Plant.Industries@nt.gov.au

NT Cotton Industry Stewardship Forums

The 3^rd NT Cotton Industry Stewardship Forum is taking place at the Katherine Research Station on 25 March 2025 from 10am – 3.30pm.

The forum will include presentations from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, CDU, the Australian Cotton Research Institute DPIRD NSW, CRDC CottonInfo Program Manager and the CEO of Notemint David Thornby. A dedicated Cotton Disease Workshop will be delivered by experts from DPI-Q and USQ.

Topics include an NT case study of rainfed cotton in the NT, updates on pests and weeds and an Australian Cotton Disease Collaboration Workshop.

The NT Cotton Industry Stewardship Forum was established in 2023 as part of the NTG led CRCNA, CRDC, GRDC co-funded Addressing the fundamentals of cropping-systems that deliver sustainable growth of agriculture sector in the Northern Territory project.

Alongside the industry driven research, this project involves a dedicated skill development in crop management and stewardship program tailored to industry, researchers, and technical staff via a mixture of structured training as requested, visiting specialists, workshops, field days, conferences, and input / participation in R&D.

For more information email Edward.Mwando@nt.gov.au