CRC IF projects of particular relevance to G-MW include:
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The irrigation sustainability challenge - Challenging the irrigation industry to measure and report its sustainability: The vision for this project is an irrigation industry that applies triple-bottom-line reporting for continuous improvement and enhanced sustainability. The process is to review existing approaches, plus case studies to develop principles, processes and methods. G-MW is one of four case studies. G-MW’s current triple-bottom-line annual report will be reviewed against the international standard and any areas for improvement identified. A key aspect will be the development of relevant social sustainability indicators for G-MW.
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Storage Dam Evaporation Mitigation: This project aims to reduce evaporation from water bodies. Initial stages of the project have focussed on developing methodologies, tank and small water body studies. One focus of the project in the next 3 years is commercialisation at several sites across Australia. Initial findings suggest that chemical monolayers (surface films), will reduce evaporation by about 35% over large surface areas and will cost between $300-800 ML/y. Key issues are:
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- Perception (and reality) of environmental contamination
- Cost of water savings
- Longevity and efficacy - particularly in turbulent conditions
- Improved methods for application
Potential benefits for G-MW include:
- Reduced evaporation from storages
- Reduced evaporation from channels
- Reduced evaporation from farm storages/ornamental ponds
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Solute Signatures: This project aims to develop and implement improved tools to manage salts and nutrients. In particular the project aims to better understand salt leaching under precision irrigation systems, and develop tools for visualisation and learning about salt and nutrients. A sub-project based at Tatura is investigating the solute movement associated with open hydroponic systems under trial in Tatura. Open hydroponic systems have the potential for improved water use efficiency and productivity of orchards. Monitoring of solutes is an important aspect of refining the management associated with the system.
- Tools for Irrigation Profitability and Longevity: This project covers a number of sub-projects with a focus on improving on-farm water management. There are several projects that are relevant to G-MW and its customers and these are discussed below.
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- Plant Based Sensing (Dr. Des Whitfield DPI, Tatura)
The project ‘Plant Based Sensing’ seeks to better identify crop water use through remote sensed images collected fortnightly. The project will also lead to improved measurement of the spatial variability of crop water use. This information will initially be used in irrigation scheduling technology (IrriGATE) made available through web services. However, the outcome is equally important in assessing water demand in G-MW irrigation systems. Improvements in water demand estimation would improve water distribution efficiency through better management of bulk water supplies to district offtakes.
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Spatial Variability Due to Irrigation (Dr. Ian Goodwin, DPI, Tatura)
This project seeks to determine the over/under irrigation that occurs within an orchard through assessing difference in crop canopy and crop water use. The project will lead to irrigation systems that more precisely meet the crop water requirement for different sections of an orchard. This will ultimately lead to improved water use and water savings in horticulture. G-MW has an interest in the changed service aspects that will result from implementation of these technologies on farm, as well as the potential for more efficient water use.
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Web based services to irrigators:
The research team are developing a range of services for customers, to make better decisions regarding water management. These could include 4-7 day forecasts and real time information to make better decisions on irrigation timing using ‘IrriGATE’ scheduling. Remote sensing technology (see above) will allow refinement of the scheduling tools. The products will initially be made available through a special purpose web site (www.irrigateway.net) but ultimately this information could be provided directly to irrigators through a portal into a RWA web site when the customers order water. A key element of the project is estimating water demand at a range of scales including system demand.