Factors affecting seasonal rainfall in sugarcane growing areas
By Russell, JS
Annual rainfall is more than 1000 mm in most sugarcane growing areas in Australia but seasonal variability can be very high. This can result in difficulties in estimating yield and c.c.s. levels which can reduce the efficient operation of sugar mills. Also, the need for strategic irrigation from year to year is greatly influenced by rainfall variability. Research has been carried out on the effect of atmosphere, ocean and land variables on seasonal rainfall at Tully, Mackay and Bundaberg. The usefulness of equations for rainfall predictors is briefly discussed as well as the prospects for rainfall assessment or provide decision support systems for sugarcane growers and mill management in these regions.