Precision agriculture in bananas a reality

Precision agronomy solutions company Farmacist have produced a Banana Yield Monitoring system, a technology solution to develop the yield maps required for precision application of fertiliser. 

Crops require nutrients to grow. In banana cultivation, organic or inorganic fertiliser is applied for sustainable and productive agriculture. If not used correctly, applied fertiliser can by lost to runoff or leaching into groundwater, resulting in poor water quality in local watercourses and the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. The appropriate type, amount, timing, and placement of fertiliser plays a critical role in reducing losses in run-off, to the air or through the soil profile. 

In Far North Queensland, the Inderbitzin family cultivate a diverse array of premium produce, including bananas, mushrooms, avocados, and cattle on their Red Valley farm.  

The Inderbitzin family brought their Swiss farming heritage to Australia in 1972 and are now in their fourth generation. "Through our sustainable farming practices, we ensure that our operations not only meet the needs of the present but also contribute to growing a brighter future. We believe that by embracing an innovative approach and maintaining a focus on quality, we can lead the way in the agricultural industry."  

The Inderbitzin's recognised that the next step for their business was integrating precision agriculture into their banana plantation. A breakthrough conversation at the Lakeland pub between Peter Inderbitzin Jr. and Farmacist's Tony Crowley identified the key to precision agriculture in bananas as a detailed yield map and that creating one for bananas presented unique challenges. 

The journey began in 2018 when testing of the first prototype began on Red Valley. This initial phase involved hands-on trials to develop a system capable of accurately measuring banana yields. 

Custom RFID tags were attached to banana bunches in the paddock and when harvested, the bunches are weighed in the packing shed. An RFID tag reader generates a report. The initial prototype was too bulky and needed refinement. Red Valley staff provided crucial feedback and insights, actively participating in the design and testing process. 

A four-year innovation project funded by the partnership between the Australian Government's Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation (RTP) supported stages 2-4 in the innovation journey. Trialling and development of this new system occurred on three banana farms across two regions of Far North Queensland's Wet Tropics.  

Since 2020, testing and refinement continued. Proprietary software was developed providing the data needed to assist agronomists to map yield and plan nutrient application, and help farmers to manage the workforce, and plan harvesting. During this period, the System has undergone substantial upgrades. 

The latest version, prototype 4, is more streamlined and efficient, and features advanced functionalities that extend beyond basic yield tracking. A key enhancement is the real-time data viewing capability through a grower interface, enabling immediate data upload and analysis. 

This upgraded system empowers farmers to make instant, informed decisions based on real-time data. “The system has come a long way. It’s more than just tracking yield variability now; it’s a game-changer for optimising labour efficiency,” said Peter Inderbitzin Jr. 

Farmacist's Far North Queensland Project Lead, Will Higham said, “It’s exciting to see the final prototype tested right here in Lakeland, where the idea first began. Returning to Lakeland for the final testing represents a significant milestone for this collaborative project." 

Access to yield maps in banana plantations paves the way for other precision agriculture techniques, such as variable rate fertiliser applications (VRA). VRA improves efficiency, reduces input costs, and minimises environmental impacts through targeted application. In the sugarcane industry, VRA has resulted in nitrogen and phosphorus application reductions of 10-25%, indicating the potential for similar positive environmental outcomes in banana farming. 

Through the RTP funding, banana yield maps were generated for 245 hectares. Yield maps were used to trial improved nutrient application to reduce dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) losses for improved water quality outcomes. VRA trials conducted on two blocks: a 2.2-hectare plant block and a 4.5-hectare ratoon block. These trials demonstrated the effectiveness of the VRA technology in managing banana production. 

Extensive datasets crucial for validating the adoption of precision agriculture methods across various banana production systems were generated from both organic and conventional practices across three farming systems operating at different scales and in diverse landscapes (refer to Organic farmers take on innovative technology for precision agriculture for the Abbots story). 

The product is now moving on to step five in the six-step innovation journey and Farmacist anticipate the Banana Yield Mapping system will be commercially available to banana growers in Queensland by late 2025.