Research Bulletin

New Tools for Measuring Evaporation from Farm Dams

This bulletin describes the results of a modelling study of evaporation from farm dams and a ‘ready reckoner’ in the form of a spreadsheet that:

• Calculates the cost of installing an evaporation reduction system
• Calculates how much water is saved from evaporating.

Estimating water use efficiency for a whole catchment

Catchment managers have a responsibility to ensure equitable use of water, balancing water requirements from the upper catchment all the way downstream to the end of the valley.

On farms, efficient use of water is a goal which everybody shares to avoid plant stress from drought or waterlogging and to avoid paying for too much water.

Community participation in sustainable irrigation research

Many of the research projects commissioned by the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation (NPSI) have adopted innovative approaches to achieve strong connections between the researchers and the rest of the community. Finding ways to include the practical knowledge that comes from the community into research is crucial to achieving a sustainable future. This research bulletin outlines approaches to engaging with communities that have been successfully developed (more)...

Using ERA to measure the effects of irrigation on river health in Ord Irrigation Area

This Research Bulletin describes the process of undertaking an extensive field sampling program, to understand if there has been a loss of biodiversity, and the risk of algal blooms.

Measuring the effects of improving water use efficiency on root zone salinity

Since the end of 2003 a tri-state syndicate of government agencies from western NSW, Victoria and South Australia has been working on a strategy to manage this salinity hazard.

This Research Bulletin draws on some of the findings to date, focusing on results of monitoring root zone salinity and deep drainage in sprinkler and drip-irrigated citrus orchards and vineyards.