There is increasing pressure on the Australian banana industry to demonstrate its environmental performance. Fertiliser input regulations are increasing due to the environmental impact of nitrogen and phosphorus loads on the Great Barrier Reef.
A banana pilot farm is being monitored using a range of sensors to measure environmental impacts and key productivity parameters. The sensor data are being used to inform water balance, nutrient load, and growth models. These models will be integrated into the Control Tower, along with weather forecasts and intelligent productivity monitoring.
The banana pilot farm is also being supported by the Australian Banana Growers’ Council and Freshcare who are facilitating the development of the Control Tower into a system to automatically provide evidence for Freshcare Environmental certification audits. This collaboration will reduce barriers to environmental compliance for the Australian banana industry.