Strategies for controlling caneland erosion in the wet tropical coast of Queensland

Sugar cane management practices in the wet tropical coast of Queensland have been aimed largely towards short term high production, with little concern for soil erosion. This attitude together with high rainfall, steep slopes and erodible soils have resulted in extremely high erosion rates in some areas of the region (Capelin and Prove, 1983). However, attitudes towards soil conservation are changing because of high production costs, increased public awareness, and the availability of soil conservation techniques. This paper reviews factors influencing soil erosion and erosion control in the region, results to date of research carried out by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) and the Bureau of Sugar Experiment Stations (BSES), and strategies for minimising soil erosion in the region are proposed.