Australian grain growers in medium and high rainfall zones will benefit from innovative tools designed to address challenges such as waterlogging, runoff, and evaporation. A new national initiative, backed by a substantial investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), aims to equip farmers with practical solutions to enhance water management and improve crop yields.
The initiative, which spans 5.5 years and involves a funding allocation of $6.5 million, is led by Pinion Advisory. The project will establish trial sites across northern, western, and southern grain production regions, providing growers with tailored strategies to manage excess water effectively.
Jo Jones, a representative from Pinion Advisory, emphasized the project’s collaborative approach. “We will work closely with growers and drainage providers to gather data on drainage’s impact on crops and the environment,” she stated. This data will be essential in formulating new guidelines, case studies, and decision support tools that empower growers to make informed decisions regarding drainage and land-forming techniques.
Responding to the pressing needs of farmers, Rowan Maddern, Manager of Sustainable Cropping Systems at GRDC, noted that existing solutions, such as land-forming and sub-surface drainage, can significantly improve agricultural outcomes. “Our investments through the National Grower Network (NGN) have shown that these techniques lead to substantial profit gains in areas affected by waterlogging,” Maddern explained.
Despite the proven benefits, he acknowledged the high initial costs associated with implementing these strategies. “Growers need more detailed information on how to practically adopt these methods. This project aims to provide them with actionable recommendations and guidelines,” he added.
Research Trials and Legislative Review
The project will set up large-scale research trials and demonstration sites specifically in areas where waterlogged soils pose significant challenges. Over the course of the project, the effects of drainage will be examined across different cropping systems, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and potential drawbacks of various drainage options.
In addition to practical solutions, the initiative will also assess existing Commonwealth, state, and local government legislation. This review will help growers navigate the regulatory landscape surrounding drainage and land-forming practices. “Farmers are often faced with a complex set of regulations concerning water management. Our goal is to equip them with the necessary information to ensure compliance while also meeting their business and sustainability objectives,” Maddern said.
A broad reference group comprising research organisations, government agencies, technical experts, and grower representatives will support the project. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that the outputs are not only relevant but also widely adopted across the agricultural sector.
This investment from the GRDC, led by Pinion Advisory, is a partnership effort that includes contributions from Ag Logic, Farmanco, and the Premier Ag Consultancy Group. Together, these organisations are poised to make a meaningful impact on water management practices within Australia’s grain-growing regions, ultimately enhancing productivity and sustainability for farmers facing the challenges of an unpredictable climate.
