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National Program for Sustainable Irrigation Media Releases

Irrigators and researchers share knowledge seminars

With major investments underway in irrigation modernisation around the country, it is opportune to bring the key players and to hear from industry about their R&D needs and priorities.

Helping irrigators boost productivity

Efficient and productive irrigation is crucial for Australia.

This was emphasised today by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke when visiting the Keytah property at Moree, NSW, where he inspected farmer-led irrigation demonstration sites and launched Irrigation Essentials, a publication summarising irrigation research as well as challenges and opportunities.

Teaching irrigators to pass the salt

Growers are increasing production and economic returns from commercial plantings by participating in a research project teaching irrigators to actively monitor and manage salinity on their properties. 

Ord project to explore international candidacy for basin

Water is getting scarcer in many parts of Australia, but in other areas, like the Ord River Catchment, there is abundant water supply, leading to rare opportunities. In a project supported by the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation (NPSI), Anna Price will explore whether this unusual situation makes the Ord Catchment an appropriate candidate for accreditation as a basin in the United Nations global hydrology program. (more)...

National irrigation modernisation forum held in Shepparton

The major suppliers of Australia’s irrigation water met in Shepparton recently to share experiences in the ‘modernisation’ of irrigation systems. The Australian Government, State Governments and the water supply companies across the nation are earnestly upgrading distribution systems to save water and improve the service to irrigators.

Australia needs super soil for high productivity

With increasing pressure on primary producers to increase their productivity, irrigation researchers are seeking ways to improve the quality of irrigated soil, given the vital role soil plays in plant health and productivity. 

New generation of researchers responds to water challenge

Scholarships established to attract young people into irrigation research are proving popular, with women taking a strong interest. A new initiative of the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation (NPSI) provides final year university students with an opportunity to conduct short research, extension or industry projects under the direct supervision of a researcher. The $6,000 scholarship can be for a short-term project or as part of a final year (more)...

Innovative R&D leads the way to adoption

A trial of centre-pivot irrigation on a Western Australian dairy farm has substantially increased milk production and cut runoff of nutrient-rich water into sensitive estuaries while also cutting water use by 30 per cent. 

Winner announced for $10,000 Travel Youth Fellowship to study sustainable irrigation

  An active role in researching and promoting the use of recycled water in Australia has won Matthew Shanahan the prestigious 2008/2009 National Program for Sustainable Irrigation/ Irrigation Australia Limited (IAL) Travel Fellowship.   Matthew’s win was announced last week at IAL’s industry dinner in Canberra. To win the $10000 Travel Fellowship, Matthew, a young, enthusiastic and committed (more)...

Night-time Evaporation Proves Significant Issue for Farm Dams

Night-time Evaporation Proves Significant Issue for Farm Dams 13 October 2006 New research has found that the rate of night-time evaporation from farm dams far exceeds previous estimates - in fact almost half of evaporation losses - forcing a significant re-think on design and construction to ensure efficient storages. The study was funded by the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation (NPSI) and conducted by Matthew Hipsey from the Centre for Water Research at the University of Western (more)...