This multi-disciplinary project investigated a range of alternative practices likely to be more sustainable than conventional methods for intensive vegetable production. Studies into the use of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) to improve the P uptake efficiency of crops and to control root-rot were carried out. Research into the extent of the nematode problem on a diversity of vegetable crops in the Bundaberg district and the potential of some non-chemical options of managing root-rot nematode was conducted.