Project overview
The expansion of cotton into Northern Australia has created new opportunities — but also new challenges at the end of the growing season. Traditionally, northern crops were mechanically destroyed or incorporated, but this process is difficult under wet-season conditions and presents logistical and biosecurity risks.
The Northern Australia Crop Destruction project evaluated practical, environmentally responsible methods for managing cotton crop residues after harvest. The project aimed to ensure that Bollgard stewardship requirements were met while also protecting soil health and maintaining future cropping opportunities.
Working closely with NT Farmers and local growers, the project assessed both mechanical and chemical methods of crop destruction, leading to the development of protocols suited to tropical conditions and providing a framework for future best-practice guidelines.
Outcomes and achievements
- Evaluated chemical and mechanical destruction methods for efficiency and compliance with Bollgard stewardship
- Documented case studies and field videos showing effective methods in NT cotton systems
- Strengthened partnerships between CSD, NT Farmers, and local growers for regional sustainability.
Key contributors and partners
Contribution is also made from growers and agronomists in Northern Australia.
Project status
- Complete
Northern Australia Crop Destruction was completed in 2023.
Contact
Ben Turner
Territory Business Manager
Northern Australia
ben.turner@bayer.com
© Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd 2025. General guide only; not comprehensive or specific technical advice. Circumstances vary from farm to farm. To the fullest extent permitted by law, CSD expressly disclaims all liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information, statement or opinion in this document or from any errors or omissions in this document. ThryvOn™, XtendFlex®, Roundup Ready Flex®, Roundup Ready®, Bollgard II® and Bollgard® 3 are registered trademarks of Monsanto Technologies LLC, used under licence by Monsanto Australia Ltd. Insect control technology incorporated into these seeds is commercialised under a licence from Syngenta Crop Protection AG. Sicot, Sicala, Siokra and Sipima cotton varieties are a result of a joint venture research program, Cotton Breeding Australia, conducted by CSIRO and Cotton Seed Distributors Ltd (CSD). CSD is a partner in the CottonInfo joint venture, in partnership with Cotton Research Development Corporation and Cotton Australia.