Commencement date

April 2021

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Completion date

November 2023

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Aim

To increase grower awareness and knowledge of soil moisture probe technology with the establishment of a sustainable local ‘network’ for best practice decision support; and to build the capacity of growers to better understand water use efficiency (WUE) on various soil types,  for increased confidence in adapting to changing climate conditions and the protection of natural assets.

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Funding Provider

National Landcare Program, Smart Farms Small Grants Round 5

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Project lead organisation

Liebe Group

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Collaborators

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Project background

Farmers in the Northern Agricultural Region (NAR) of WA are managing increasing climatic risks and are seeking new tools that can improve in-season crop management and planning decisions. To address this, the Liebe Group proposes to implement an integrated network of soil moisture probes and weather stations in the region. This project will act as a ‘pilot’ to test the technology in our region and provide an extension platform to engage growers to increase their awareness and knowledge about how this technology could add value to their businesses.

By evaluating real-time data, farmers can understand the implications of management decisions and gain confidence for future decisions. It can help evaluate resource management practices such as implementing strategic fallow on heavy country, deep ripping, amelioration of non-wetting soils and applying lime. By expanding the understanding and adoption of these technologies within the region, growers will be able to better manage their water-use efficiency for improved productivity, profitability and long-term environmental sustainability.

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Results and Reports