Australian grain growers in medium and high rainfall zones will have new tools to tackle waterlogging, runoff and evaporation thanks to a major new national project.
Excessive water runoff and drainage can lead to erosion and loss of vital nutrients in crops. Waterlogging can suffocate plant roots, reduce oxygen availability and increase the risk of disease.
The 5.5-year $6.5 million Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) investment led by Pinion Advisory will deliver practical, regionally relevant solutions to help growers manage excess water, improve paddock trafficability and boost crop yields.
Pinion Advisory's Jo Jones said the project team will work with growers and drainage providers to establish new trial sites across northern, western and southern grain production regions.
Project lead, Pinion Advisory's Jo Jones, said the project will establish new trial sites across northern, western and southern grain production regions. Photo: Pinion Advisory
"Once established, the project will collect data on the effect of drainage on crops and the environment, and the related costs and benefits," Ms Jones said.
"We aim to develop new guidelines, case studies and decision support tools to help growers make evidence-based decisions about drainage and land-forming."
GRDC Manager Sustainable Cropping Systems, Rowan Maddern, said the project responds directly to grower needs.
"There are known solutions to improve surface and sub-surface drainage such as land-forming with heavy machinery to alter the flow of water on the soil surface, and installation of sub-surface drainage," Dr Maddern said.
"GRDC investments through the National Grower Network (NGN) have demonstrated significant profit gains from these techniques in areas prone to waterlogging.
"But the upfront costs are significant, and growers need more information on how to practically implement these options. This project aims to provide grain growers with recommendations and guidelines to enable them to make evidence-based decisions."
Large-scale research trials and demonstration sites will be implemented where waterlogged soils present challenges. Over the multi-season project, the impact of drainage will be investigated in different cropping systems to identify the benefits and challenges of different drainage options.
Large-scale research trials and demonstration sites will be implemented where waterlogged soils present challenges. Photo: GRDC
The project will also review Commonwealth, state and local government legislation to help growers understand the legalities of implementing drainage and land-forming solutions.
"Growers are navigating a complex environment when it comes to water management. This project will give them the information they need to navigate the regulatory environment while meeting their farm's business and sustainability needs," Dr Maddern said.
A broad reference group of research organisations, government agencies, technical experts and grower representatives will help ensure the project's outputs are relevant and widely adopted.
This is a GRDC investment led by Pinion Advisory, with partners Ag Logic, Farmanco and Premier Ag Consultancy Group.
