Project overview

Central Queensland has the potential to grow cotton more reliably than almost any other part of Australia — but the region’s long, warm growing season creates unique challenges for managing crop maturity, canopy growth, and fibre quality. The grown-on cotton project was developed to help growers understand how to take advantage of this extended season while managing the associated agronomic risks. 

The project monitored different combinations of varieties, planting dates, canopy management (including growth regulators), and nutrient strategies to identify management systems that maximise yield potential without compromising fibre quality.  The fields were monitored with growers and agronomists across key locations to ensure results reflected real-world conditions. 

By combining agronomic monitoring, and grower case studies, the project delivered practical insights into how long-season cotton can be successfully managed — supporting both productivity and sustainability in Queensland’s expanding cotton industry.

Outcomes and achievements

• Demonstrated that early planting combined with proactive canopy management can deliver high yields with strong fibre quality in Central Queensland
• Identified the importance of PGR timing and nitrogen management to avoid rank growth and maintain boll retention
• Developed guidelines for “Grow On” cotton management, including defoliation timing and late-season crop decisions
• Showcased performance of long-season varieties under variable weather conditions
• Shared results through field walks, grower case studies, and conference presentations, helping support regional adoption of best-practice strategies. 

Project status

Grow On Cotton: Evaluating Long-Season Cotton Systems in Central Queensland was completed in 2025.

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