Investing in people is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen Australia's rural industries.
Through an ongoing partnership with Nuffield Australia , AgriFutures is supporting emerging and established leaders to step away from day-to-day operations, immerse themselves in global best practice, and bring transformative ideas back to Australian farms and industries.
A recent example of this impact is demonstrated through the work of Western Australian producer and Nuffield Scholar, Robert Bell.
Robert's research explores how subsurface (tile) drainage, integrated with nutrient management, can improve productivity, sustainability, and environmental outcomes in high‑rainfall agricultural zones of Western Australia.
Turning challenge into opportunity
Operating in Western Australia's high rainfall zones, Robert faced increasingly common challenges for producers:
- Waterlogging
- Nutrient loss
- Declining fertiliser efficiency following extreme seasonal events.
After experiencing significant crop losses during an unusually wet season, Robert began searching for more effective long-term solutions beyond traditional surface drainage.
Through the Nuffield Scholarship, Robert was able to travel internationally, studying innovative surface and subsurface tile drainage systems and nutrient management approaches across New Zealand, the United States and northern Australia. His learning included visits to global research institutions, on-farm trials, field days and the prestigious International Drainage Symposium in the US.
This global exposure allowed Robert to assess how advanced drainage systems, when carefully planned and combined with best-practice nutrient management, can reduce waterlogging, improve soil health, increase yields and minimise downstream environmental impacts.
Real-world results, backed by research
On returning to Western Australia, Robert established and monitored a farm‑scale tile drainage trial on his own property, beginning in 2020. During a high‑rainfall cropping season, the results were compelling. Tile‑drained paddocks experienced reduced waterlogging, improved soil aeration and delivered substantially higher yields than undrained areas.
In one season, the tile‑drained area produced more than four times the canola yield of untreated paddocks, clearly demonstrating the productivity and economic potential of well‑designed subsurface drainage in challenging seasons.
Balancing productivity with environmental stewardship
Importantly, Robert's research extended beyond yield gains. Working alongside government agencies and environmental scientists, the project examined how nutrients move beyond the farm gate under different drainage systems.
The findings showed that phosphorus losses were lower under subsurface tile drainage compared with conventional open drains. However, nitrate leaching increased, highlighting the need for complementary nutrient mitigation strategies. The report explores a range of edge‑of‑field solutions, including woodchip bioreactors, wetlands, saturated buffers and drain water recycling, to manage nutrient export.
While drain water recycling was identified as the most effective option for retaining nutrients and improving drought resilience, it also requires significant capital investment, reinforcing the importance of careful planning and collaboration.
Knowledge that flows beyond the farm gate
Robert's research offers practical guidance for Australian producers considering drainage as part of their farming system. It highlights opportunities to improve economic feasibility through smarter design, appropriate pipe selection and installation methods, while also emphasising the importance of integrating nutrient management and environmental safeguards from the outset.
More broadly, the work demonstrates the value of collaboration between farmers, researchers, industry and government to develop solutions that are both productive and environmentally responsible.
Applications now open for 2027
Robert Bell's journey is just one example of how Nuffield Scholars are turning global insights into local impact for Australian agriculture.
AgriFutures supports one Nuffield Scholarship recipient each year, providing eligible applicants with $65,000 of value to undertake international study and leadership development. Applications for the 2027 Nuffield Scholarships are now open, with applications closing Friday 8 May 2026. Successful scholars will commence travel and research in 2027 as part of an 18‑month program.
Opportunities are available for individuals working in either levied or emerging agricultural industries, offering a unique chance to step back from day‑to‑day operations, build global networks, and contribute to the future of Australian agriculture.
