Field Crops and Horticulture

High value production is the future

High value horticulture is the future for Sunraysia’s communities, considering economic as well as environmental challenges.

Filtering of water helps with precise allocation of inputs

An investment in a pumping system with associated equipment for filtering and fertigation has been a foundation for irrigation efficiency on a Berri vineyard.

Tablegrape producers reach high levels of efficiency

Customer acceptance of only the highest quality tablegrapes makes Robinvale growers very discerning about every aspect of production, including the use of water.

Citrus irrigation can be fine-tuned

Drip irrigation has been questioned for its power to deliver sufficient water to citrus in hot climates but some growers have found it can be managed with excellent results.

Flavour boosts desire for stonefruit

Appearance may attract but it is the flavour that will determine how keen consumers will be to return to buy more stonefruit.

Greening cities in dry times

Maintaining our urban green spaces (parks, playing fields, golf courses, gardens) provides significant social and economic benefits.

Recycled water has a place in horticulture

Recycled water is a safe and sustainable water source for the production of horticultural crops as demonstrated by the success of numerous recycled water schemes across Australia. With an understanding of the issues associated with recycled water use and how these can be managed, the benefits of securing an alternative high reliability water source can be realised.

Irrigating cherries in warm climates can be efficient

Irrigation and orchard floor management can combine to make cherry growing a sustainable business in warm climates.

Irrigation allows almonds to grow in an ideal place

When Century Orchards Pty Ltd selected a site and planned its layout using the most advanced irrigation system available it started out on the right foot.

Rainfed crops hold the ground as irrigation dries up

by Kellie Penfold, GRDC

For farmers in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA), a plentiful water supply has for decades guaranteed harvests and allowed them to grow high-value rice crops.

But in recent years water allocations have dried up, mirroring the climate.