Canegrowers accept biodunder as plant nutrient source at Mackay

The recycling of plant nutrients by spreading the by-product from ethanol production onto cane, pastoral or horticultural land has been an environmental as well as financial success. The use of biodunder as a substitute for potassium decreased imports of fertiliser as no solid potassium fertiliser is produced in Australia. The quality of biodunder is monitored continually by a hydrometer measurement of brix which is a cheap, accurate test correlated with K concentration. Customers using biodunder have indicated their satisfaction with the product and they intend to continue using it. There has been a net gain in local employment despite a reduction in the number of factory employees, as there was an increase in the number of truck drivers and workers providing fuel and maintenance. Experiments to evaluate nutrient enrichment of biodunder for use on cane land are in progress.