Completed Projects and Research in Progress for the Environment and Farm

Management Program 2006–07

Environment and Farm Management R&D Program

A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

November 2007

RIRDC Publication No 07/017

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© 2007 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 417 7 ISSN 1440-6845

Completed Projects and Research in Progress for the Environment and Farm Management Program 2006–07

Publication No. 07/017 The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances.

While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication.

The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors.

The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication.

This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6271 4165.

RIRDC Environment and Farm Management Program Dr George Wilson Phone: 02 62812160 Fax: 02 6285 1885 Email: george.wilson@awt.com.au

In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form. RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6271 4100 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au Web: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in November 2007 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

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Foreword

This report contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2006–2007 for RIRDC’s Environment and Farm Management Program. This program aims to support innovation in agriculture and the use of frontier technology to meet market demands for accredited sustainable production. The complete report on all RIRDC programs is available at our website, http://www.rirdc.gov.au The Program has the following objectives: • New and emerging agri-industry systems • New technology systems – management • Decision support and precision agriculture • Farm management and environmental management systems • Frontier technologies • Aquaculture and hydroponics • Water and salinity management • Environmental management systems labelling. This report is the newest addition to our extensive catalogue of over 1700 research projects, videos and CD-Roms of projects supported by RIRDC. Please contact us for the latest publications catalogue or view it on our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/index.html • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop Peter O’Brien Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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Contents

3.2 Environment and Farm Management – Completed Projects

Project No

Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation Page No

New and emerging agri-industry systems MFR-3A Aquaculture in saline groundwater

evaporation basins Fiona Gavine 03 5774 2208 Department of

Primary Industries, VIc

1

New technology systems – management UWA-73A Investigation into legumes with

pharmaceutical and aquaculture potential

Dr Shao Fang Wang

08 9222 3040 University of Western Australia

2

2. Farm management and environmental management systems ANU-71A Greening EMS products, drivers

and impediments to sustainable value chains

David Dumaresq and Saan Ecker

02 6125 0349 Australian National University

3

BCG-2A Diversity in a piped system Jonathan Starks 03 5492 2787 Birchip Cropping Group

5

3. Frontier technologies CSL-22A Electrical root mapping Tim Ellis 02 6246 5743 CSIRO Land and

Water 7

6. Environmental management systems labelling NEL-3A Analysing known and likely

outcomes of current EMS activities

Nelson Quinn 02 6230 2372 Nelson Quinn & Associates

8

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3.2 Environment and Farm – Research in Progress Project No

Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation Page No

1. Decision support and precision agriculture CSW-43A Using precision agriculture

technologies to manage landscapes, not just paddocks

Dr Andre Zerger 02 6242 1691 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems

9

UNS-18A Sustainable small-scale agri-industrial projects neighbouring the Greater Blue Mountains protected area

Dr John Merson 02 9385 2967 Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, UNSW

10

2. Farm management and environmental management systems CTF-1A A review of farm mapping software Tim Neale 07 4662 3913 CTF Solutions 11 DAW-122A

Farm energy calculator Dr Moins Us Salam

08 9690 2150 Department of Agriculture and Food, WA

12

PHI-1A National inventory of environmental management in Australian agriculture

Philippa Rowlands

02 6492 4858 Independent consultant

13

UCS-39A Developing environmental service policy for salinity

Dr Thomas L Nordblom

02 6938 1627 EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation

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3. Frontier technologies CCW-1A Utilizing NIRS and DNA

technologies to manage rangelands sustainability

Peter McCafferty

08 9222 3017 Chemistry Centre (WA)

15

QUT-9A Development of a desiccant solar drying system for agricultural products

Dr Kame Khouzam

07 3138 2483 Queensland University of Technology

16

SAR-59A Revegetation by design – promoting the ‘on farm’ use of native vegetation as agents for ‘natural pest control’

Glenys Wood 08 8303 9660 South Australian Research and Development Institute

17

UCQ-20A Green roof-tops and self-sufficient fresh food production

Prof David Midmore

07 4930 9770 Central Queensland University

18

UMU-35A Integrating inland saline aquaculture and livestock production

Alan Lymbery 08 9360 2729 Murdoch University 19

4. Aquaculture and hydroponics DAQ-335A Assessment of Lotus (Nelumbo

nucifera) for wastewater bioremediation

Evizel Seymour 07 4091 9313 Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

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Completed Projects – New and emerging agri-business systems Project Title: Aquaculture in Saline Groundwater Evaporation Basins - Artemia

for the Aquarium industry RIRDC Project No.:

MFR-3A

Researcher: Fiona Gavine Organisation: Department of Primary Industries, Victoria

Private Bag 20 Alexandra VIC 3714

Phone: (03) 5774 2208 Fax: (03) 5774 2659 Email: Fiona.gavine@dpi.vic.gov.au Objectives To develop a commercially viable aquaculture system applicable to existing and planned saline

evaporation basins throughout the Murray Darling Basin To develop business planning guidelines applicable to aquaculture in inland saline waters.

Background Salinisation of land and water resources is a critical problem in inland Australia that has rendered large areas of agricultural land unproductive and caused a marked deterioration in the quality of surface waters. In the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), an engineering solution to the salinity problem has been adopted and a number of large-scale salt water interception systems have been built. These schemes work by intercepting saline water flows and disposing of them, usually by evaporation. Salt water interception schemes are expensive to build and have ongoing operating costs. This project investigated the potential role of aquaculture in offsetting some of the operating costs, as aquaculture has the unique potential to utilise the existing resources (water, land, energy) of salt interception schemes to produce other value-added commodities.

Research The project set up and operated an aquaculture production facility at a saline water evaporation basin in northern Victoria. The industry partner in the project, Pyramid Salt Pty. Ltd., currently owns and operates a salt water interception scheme at Pyramid Hill, south of Kerang, that produces various quality grades of salt. Aquaculture infrastructure was already on-site as a trial, but this had been unused for many years and required extensive upgrading and repair. A staged approach was adopted for the development of the pilot scale aquaculture venture at Pyramid Salt and the site was commissioned in March 2004. The project focussed on the production of frozen 125g blocks of Artemia biomass for sale to the Aquarium industry, primarily in Melbourne. The production methods, yields and revenues of biomass production were summarised in the final report and were used to prepare a series of extension tools that can be disseminated to other potential investors in inland saline aquaculture.

Outcomes The research had demonstrated that the production of Artemia biomass at salt interception schemes can be economically viable, with the appropriate site selection and production technology to maximise production and minimise costs. The prevailing climatic conditions will determine the extent to which water heating is required over the year and this will have a major bearing on the design and operation of the facility, particularly if there is no ready access to solar pond technologies. A commercialisation strategy and business planning guidelines were developed.

Implications The aquaculture venture developed under this project represents only one aspect of inland saline aquaculture that is applicable to saline groundwater interception schemes. This technology and the production techniques associated with it are transferable to other evaporation basins in the MDB. Other aquaculture options that need further investigation include the stocking of Artemia in evaporation ponds for cyst production. This is more likely to be viable at the larger evaporation basins such as the new development at Pyramid Creek. There is also potential to develop other species (including fish and crustaceans) in the outdoor ponds provided that culture does not impact on the quality of water available for salt production.

Publications Gavine, F. M. (2005). Key drivers for the future development of inland aquaculture in Australia. Proceedings of the World Aquaculture, 2005, Bali, Indonesia, May 9-15, 2005.

Bretherton, M. J. (2005). Inland salinity – aquaculture lends a hand. Poster at the Young Professionals Forum, Department of Primary Industries, October 2005.

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Completed Projects – New technology systems – management Project Title: Investigation into legumes with pharmaceutical and

aquaculture potential RIRDC Project No.:

UWA-73A

Researcher: Dr Shao Fang Wang, Prof Peter Leedman, Kevin Foster, John Howieson, Prof Clive Francis, Ms Vicki Russell

Organisation: Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA) University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Hwy Nedlands WA 6009

Phone: (08) 9222 3040 Fax: (08) 9325 7767 Email: swang@ccwa.wa.org.au Objectives

To undertake chemical identification of isoflavonoids and bioactive compounds from legumes and asses their efficacy in mammalian breast/prostate cancer proliferation assays. To generate a basic knowledge of the chemistry of legume germplasms such that cultivars can be developed to suit specific industries. To develop cultivars for specific industries.

Background Legumes have been used as traditional medicines throughout Asian and the Middle East, however, very little systematic investigation into the pharmaceutical and potential other uses have been undertaken. There is a large potential for the utilisation of forage legumes in industries other than mainstream agriculture as a source of protein, dietary phytohormones, new drugs and as aquaculture feeds for the intensive fish and prawn feed industries. This project used the University of Western Australia pharmaceutical or aquaculture genebank to develop chemical analysis of legumes.

Research This report provides data on pasture legume’s agronomics, anticancer activities and chemical analysis. The investigation covered 160 legume accessions from 29 genera and 47 species. Extracts were prepared using different plant parts (green tissue, seeds, roots). Several crude extracts with strong anticancer activity were selected for further fractionation to identify active compounds. Some flavonoids and isoflavonoids often present in pasture legumes were also studied for anti-cancer activity to compare with other active compounds identified from legumes plants. Agronomics studies for some species were undertaken.

Outcomes The in vitro data suggests that novel drugs or dietary supplements from pasture legumes may have efficacy in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer. 40 pasture legume seeds were also examined for nutritional and anti-nutritional values. A few species of plant seeds showed potential for aquaculture feeds.

Implications The discovery and development of legumes into novel drugs needs further animal model studies and clinical trial tests. It is a complex, long term, multi-disciplinary study that is required. Of all the plants screened, a third showed significant anticancer activity in vitro. This indicates that pasture legumes are a source of novel drugs and continuing investigation of the screening of pasture legumes is recommended.

Publications RIRDC report pending. Investigation into legumes with pharmaceutical and aquaculture potential

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Completed Projects – Farm management and environmental management systems Project Title: Greening EMS products, drivers and impediments to

sustainable value chains RIRDC Project No.:

ANU-71A

Researcher: David Dumaresq and Saan Ecker Organisation: The Fenner School of the Environment

Australian National University Phone: 02 6125 0349 / 0428 172 011 Fax: 02 6125 0746 Email: saane@westnet.com.au , david.dumareesq@anu.edu.au Internet: http://fennerschool.anu.edu.au/ Objectives To provide the framework for agricultural industries to implement whole of

supply chain environmental certification systems enabling a progression from producer only EMSs to producer to consumer systems. To determine the drivers and impediments to sustainable production and environmental certification throughout the supply chain.

Background This project explored the potential to take primary products produced under an EMS to a sustainable value chain approach. The project extended the notion of value chains to include monetary, social and environmental values. The project focused mainly on non-monetary environmental values. Ten case study products were selected within PhD research, which considered the transfer of social and environmental values along the supply chain in the context of environmental certification. It used an established case study of ten best practice organic and conventional production chain cycles starting in the Blackwood Basin, South West WA Farms do not operate in isolation and this project looked at a range of environmentally sustainable farm produce (as defined by BestFarms codes of practice) that either 'disappeared' into conventional uncertified value chains or had the environmental values transferred by a certified value chain. For example, WA's only organic dairy, also a BestFarms EMS farmer and one of the case studies of this project, was selling milk to WA's largest dairy company which was unable to segregate or pay premiums on this product. In 2004 a supply chain that was able to communicate the environmental and "organic' values of this farm product was established. This project explored why and how this can happen, or not happen with real examples that are being considered over the long term.

Research The methodology was devised within a PhD project at Australian National University. The project aimed to understand and improve communication about sustainability between actors in selected supply chains (representing dairy, grains, viticulture, horticulture and wool). A focus was on facilitating chain actors to conceptualise environmentally sustainable / certified product chains. Consumer research was also undertaken through this project.

Outcomes • An assessment of the presence of environmental values and their transference in ten supply chains;

• An assessment of how environmental certification can or cannot capture this through the comparison of 5 certified with 5 uncertified chains;

• Identification of attitudinal and motivational drivers and impediments to the development of whole supply chain environmental certification systems;

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• Identification of approaches and methods to assist industry in developing environmentally certified chains for use by other projects and practitioners developing environmental certification systems for value adding;

• More sustainable food production systems and an understanding of how to get there;

• A conceptual model for engaging producers, retailers, manufacturers and consumers in sustainable production systems; and

• Recommendations for further research and resourcing.

Implications This project produced information relevant for investors in EMS and sustainable production objectives, including farmers, government and all aspects of industry. It highlighted areas of communication, resourcing, new development, technologies and infrastructure impacting on the sustainability of Australian agriculture in the context of environmental certification.

Publications Ecker, S & Dumaresq, D (2007) Sustainable Food and Fibre Supply chains - What’s missing? : Impediments and Drivers from a Consumer Perspective, paper presented at National EMS Forum, Toowomba, May 2007 Ecker, S & Dumaresq, D (2007) Putting farm assurance programs in their place in sustainable food and fibre supply chains. Submitted as a poster presentation for the Keeping It Real Conference to be held Hobart, August 2007 Ecker, S. (2007) What do consumers want? Lessons from five supply chains, to be presented at the Sustainable and Profitable Farming for a New World “Broadening the Base” Environmental Management Systems in Agriculture Forum to be held in Perth, 31 July 2007

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Completed Projects – Farm management and environmental management systems Project Title: Diversity in a piped system RIRDC Project No.:

BCG-2A

Researcher: Jonathan Starks Organisation: Birchip Cropping Group Phone: (03) 5492 2787 Fax: (03) 5492 2753 Email: info@bcg.org.au Internet: www.bcg.org.au Objectives

To monitor and evaluate four different water access design structures for native fauna to identify which design achieves the best environmental outcomes, from a biodiversity perspective.

Background The Wimmera Mallee Pipeline will replace an extensive network of gravity-fed earthen channels and farm dams with a closed water system of pipes and stock troughs. A diverse array of wildlife relies on farm dams and channels as their water supply. Changing the availability of open water will have an impact on the diversity and abundance of wildlife in the region. Understanding the existing wildlife values on farms of the different water delivery systems is necessary for the maintenance and improvement of biodiversity, habitat function and community well-being. BCG worked with farmers and industry in north-western Victoria investigating the importance of water to wildlife on farms in the Northern Mallee Pipeline region and on farms still receiving water from the channel system in the Wimmera and southern Mallee. The project, managed by BCG (Birchip Cropping Group), funded by RIRDC (Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation) and supported by CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, the Wimmera, North Central and Mallee Catchment Management Authorities, and GWM Water, ran for two years (2004−2006).

Research Thirty-six study sites were established to assess the biodiversity values of the different farm water points (dams, channels and stock troughs). Data were collected on birds, mammals, reptiles and frogs at each of the study sites. Birds provided the best indicators of the relative biodiversity values of the different sites. An integral part of the project was trialling an experimental wildlife water point, designed to provide an open water source for wildlife. These were concrete troughs, cast in-ground and planted with aquatic vegetation to provide habitat for aquatic fauna.

Outcomes This study found that biodiversity levels on farms were higher at sites with open water and at sites in woodlands. Birds provided the best indicators of the relative biodiversity values of the different study sites. Wildlife water troughs, as measured by bird populations, can increase the biodiversity value of a woodland area and, significantly, maintain biodiversity values at levels comparable with farm dams in woodlands. The faunal group likely to be most seriously affected by the loss of open water are frogs and the Common Long-necked Turtle. This group was found at sites in the Wimmera Mallee Channel/dam region but not at sites in the Northern Mallee Pipeline region. The wildlife water troughs did not prove effective in attracting frogs and turtles, though this may be due to the sites chosen for the wildlife water troughs and the relatively short time the troughs have been functioning.

Implications The application of wildlife water troughs in a farming landscape can increase biodiversity levels, as measured by birds, in the Northern Mallee Pipeline region, and maintain existing biodiversity values in woodlands within the Wimmera Mallee Channel/dam

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region. Frogs, turtles, and possibly bats, will be seriously disadvantaged by the loss of open water following decommissioning of channels and dams. Wildlife water troughs can be an efficient and cost-effective way of maintaining and enhancing wildlife values on farms in the Wimmera and Mallee within a piped water delivery system.

Publications RIRDC Publication No 07/037 'Bio-diversity in a Piped Rural Water System' The Group won the 2007 prestigious Banksia Award in the ‘Land and Biodiversity’ category for the ‘Diversity in a Piped System Project’. The Banksia Award recognises and rewards leaders in environmental excellence and sustainability. ‘Farmers Guide to installing a wildlife pond’ available from www.bcg.org.au/cb_pages/DIPS.php

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Completed Projects – Frontier technologies Project Title: Electrical root mapping RIRDC Project No.:

CSL-22A

Researcher: Tim Ellis Organisation: CSIRO Land and Water

PO Box 1666 Canberra ACT 2601

Phone: 02 6246 5743 Fax: 02 6246 5800 Email: tim.ellis@csiro.au Objectives

To establish relationships between electric field intensity, root position and root length density, using high frequency electrical measurements

Background An earlier RIRDC project, CSL-18A, showed for the first time that low frequency capacitance was likely to be valid for trees but was not corroborated at the time with destructive sampling. The same preliminary project also showed that tree roots were capable of transmitting high frequency signals and that these signals could be used to locate roots. This has various applications in researching roots in agricultural systems.

Research This project evaluated low frequency (k Hz range) capacitance measurements for the determination of tree root mass and root length and determined the potential for the use of high frequency (M Hz) electricity for locating plant roots in soil.

Low Frequency: Eleven plantation eucalypts were destructively sampled for root biomass following the measurement of root capacitance.

High Frequency: Laboratory experiments were undertaken to measure the attenuation (loss) of signal as it passed through roots embedded in sand. The dielectric properties of roots and soil were measured to allow interpretation of these results in context with antenna theory.

Outcomes This project corroborates the earlier low frequency work on trees and show that, while roots can transmit high frequency signals, attenuation is very high and signals are unlikely to be transmitted more than a few metres in large (10 to 20 mm diameter) roots. It is unlikely that fine roots (<2 mm diameter) will transmit useful signals.

Implications Low frequency capacitance measurement appears to be a valid technique for plantation eucalypts and should be routinely considered wherever tree root investigations are undertaken. However, the possible effects of tree age, and therefore the proportion of fine roots (<2 mm) should be considered as it may significantly affect results.

Publications Feher, K. Murray, W. and T. W. Ellis (2005) Sensing and modelling electric fields associated with high frequency excitation of plant roots. April 2005, Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

Feher, K., Ellis T. W. and W. Murray (2005) Sensing and modelling electric fields associated with high frequency excitation of plant roots. In: Proceedings of the Australian Institute of Physics 16th Biennial Congress, 31 Jan- 4 Feb, 2005, Australian National University, Canberra.

Ellis, T., Feher, K., Murray, W., Paul, K., Brophy, J., Jacobsen, K., Koul, V., Leppert, P. and Smith, J. (2007) Electrical mapping to measure root mass and root location. Report to RIRDC, Canberra.

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Completed Projects – Environmental management systems labelling Project Title: Analysing known and likely outcomes of current EMS activities RIRDC Project No.:

NEL-3A

Researcher: Nelson Quinn Organisation: Nelson Quinn & Associates Phone: 02 6230 2372 Fax: Email: aranmohr@bordernet.com.au Objectives

To analyse current environmental management systems (EMS) underway to assist in making judgements about their likely longer-term impact and value.

Background The Australian Government has funded a number of pilot projects and activity on EMS by industry organisations and other groups in recent years. This has led to a wide range of approaches to EMS, but no stock-take of where this may be leading. The project describes EMS and the Australian Government programmes supporting EMS adoption, It analysises outcomes of EMS programmes and suggests ways to improve the development and application of such systems.

Research The research draws on participation in the funded activities, the detailed reports produced in the course of the programmes, literature and other relevant experience in Australia and overseas, and on an extensive background of national and international research and programme development and management related to environmental issues.

Outcomes There are many risks and environmental issues affecting agriculture that an EMS can help mitigate. At the same time, there are many practical issues affecting the current take up of EMSs, which the research shows could be countered by improved incentive and support mechanisms. EMS approaches adopted, particularly by industry organisations, are only loosely connected, if at all, with international standards and hence will have limited recognition. Progress has been made in development of simplified and least cost tools for EMS, and in clarifying the relative lack of market drivers for adopting EMS. The funding grants and administration of the programmes by the Commonwealth Government has involved a substantial drift from the propositions in its National Framework for EMS which was the original policy base. This report confirms the value of EMSs and provides a basis for review and extension of what has already been achieved so that future efforts can produce increasingly improved results with long-term gains for the Australian environment and community and, in particular, for its primary producers

Implications The research suggests a need for a redirection of effort towards greater consistency to achieve an internationally credible outcome based on international standards. It advocates the development of support arrangements such as a voluntary land management certification system. There are potential gains from greater effort on partnerships involving volunteer groups, industry organisations, researchers and catchment management organisations.

Publications RIRDC report pending. Nelson Quinn (2007) Analysing known and likely outcomes of current EMS activities

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RIRDC Research in Progress – Decision support and precision agriculture Project Title Using precision agriculture technologies to manage

landscapes, not just paddocks RIRDC Project No.:

CSW-43A

Start Date: 10/6/06 Finish Date: 30/08/08 Researcher: Dr. Andre Zerger Organisation: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems Phone: 02 6242 1691 Fax: 02 6242 1565 Email: andre.zerger@csiro.au Objectives

To increase the effectiveness of farmers' responses to the big sustainability issues by developing and applying tools and approaches that enable farmers to simply visualise, analyse and develop management actions appropriate to the landscape scale at which problems and opportunities occur.

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

The big sustainability issues – salinity, waterlogging, biodiversity and erosion – emanate from landscape-scale processes. Unfortunately, the treatment of symptoms usually occurs only at the paddock scale, because this is the level at which farmers are best able to visualise, analyse and, hence, respond with management actions. As noted in the earlier report, a key data management and communication platform for this project is the eFarmer system recently developed in Victoria. The CSIRO project team have commenced planning the integration of our Precision Agriculture (PA) data into eFarmer in collaboration with Mr. Geoff Parke (Victorian DSE Knowledge Broker). This will include integration of PA and remote sensing data to develop a collaborative decision support system between farmers and CMA staff. eFarmer staff are extremely keen for this project to integrate with their work as it provides a unique case-study exemplar for linking precision agriculture data with regional conservation priorities in a spatially explicit mapping system. As we anticipate this to be a collaborative stakeholder driven project (CMA, landholders and scientists) there is a need for a structured decision making platform to support analysis. To achieve this, CSIRO has obtained the Bureau of Resource Sciences multi-criteria analysis shell (MCAS-S) for spatial decision support and we are evaluating the feasibility of using this to support stakeholder analysis with eFarmer. Regional-scale remote sensing databases from the Australian Greenhouse Office have been acquired and processing on these has commenced to evaluate the potential utility of these for mapping crop yields at regional scales.

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RIRDC Research in Progress – Decision support and precision agriculture Project Title Sustainable small-scale agri-industrial projects

neighbouring the Greater Blue Mountains protected area

RIRDC Project No.:

UNS-18A

Start Date: 1-08-04 Finish Date: 1-08-09 Researcher: Dr John Merson Organisation: Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute

University of New South Wales Phone: 02 9385 2967 Fax: 02 9385 3301 Email: j.merson@unsw.edu.au Objectives

To facilitate long-term sustainability of agri-industries along the north-eastern boundary of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) which enhances neighbouring protected conservation area and Sydney catchment. To identify and document economic, social and environmental impacts of agri-industries. To develop linkages between industry, government and community for trials of integrated technology systems

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

This project is entering its latter stages. An initial survey of issues faced by local primary producers has been interpreted in relation to the concept of resilience, with preliminary results published in the Notes and Insights section of the international journal Systems Research and Behavioural Science. From the primary producers contacted during these interviews, four case studies were identified, each representing different production and marketing strategies common to the region. Each of these case studies have been characterised, and used as an ongoing basis for participative testing and development. To investigate the ecosystem services generated by these agricultural systems, the methodology of Landscape Functional Analysis (LFA) has been applied, and a field day to discuss this analysis is being planned. On-ground testing is occurring for production of commercial fungi from organic wastes derived from old tree stock, along with a wetland treatment for water conservation. A critical review of land use planning instruments has been undertaken, along with a compilation of data sets in a GIS. The next stages of this project will be to develop a range of future scenarios, with implications developed in with GIS tools, to support workshops with representatives of local primary producers, local government organizations, and state agencies.

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RIRDC Research in Progress – Farm management and environmental management systems Project Title A review of farm mapping software RIRDC Project No.:

CTF-1A

Start Date: 6 February 2007 Finish Date: 30 July 2007 Researcher: Tim Neale Organisation: CTF Solutions Phone: (07)46623913 Fax: (07)46698537 Email: tim@ctfsolutions.com.au Objectives

To provide a framework for primary producers to assess their needs for farm mapping and record keeping, and the ability of software mapping packages to meet their needs and expectations. To provide a comparative overview of software mapping packages for use by primary producers. .

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

The project aims to increase the use of software for farm mapping to improve management and meet regulatory requirements. The project team has developed the primary producer questionnaire to assess producer requirements for farm mapping software, and to also identify what software is currently being used and how useful is it. To date the survey has been sent to approx 150 farmer contacts and 90 industry/producer group coordinators across all states and territories. The publicity for the project and RIRDC has been widespread across all states and territories. A flier has been developed to introduce people to the project. Spatial 3i and CTF Solutions met to plan project, and continue to have regular meetings. We also have regular contact with George Wilson to keep him updated. We have collected and compiled questionnaire responses from nearly 30 farmers already. We have interviewed several cane and grain farmer groups already in both Queensland and New South Wales. Horticulture, wine, and extensive grazing industries are planned in the near future. Project team members Bernard Fitzpatrick (Spatial 3i) and Blue Perkowicz (CTF Solutions) are beginning their travel around Australia. The first trip is from 3/6/2007 to 8/6/2007, and will visit primary producer groups, industry leaders, and software development companies in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. Another trip is planned soon after and will cover the grazing areas of Western Queensland and cropping/grazing areas of Central and Northern Queensland. Horticulture groups and additional cropping groups are planned in early June. The matrix framework to allow primary producers to assess farm software is currently still under development. It will contain the needs identified in the survey as well as pure mapping requirements as derived from the project teams’ extensive mapping experience. After an initial search of available farm mapping software, 32 pieces of farm mapping software have been identified. The project team is planning to comparatively assess 13 of these to test the matrix framework. The comparative assessment will be conducted during June 2007.

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RIRDC Research in Progress – Farm management and environmental management systems Project Title Farm energy calculator RIRDC Project No.:

DAW-122A

Start Date: 1/11/2006 Finish Date: 21/08/2008 Researcher: Dr. Moin Us Salam Organisation: Department of Agriculture and Food

Western Australia (DAFWA) Phone: (08) 9690 2150 Fax: (08) 9622 1902 Email: msalam@agric.wa.gov.au Objectives

To develop a simple calculator to assess the energy usage of farm management options.

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

Dr. Nicolyn Short has recently been appointed as the Research Officer for the project Dr. Short’s experience in developing framework for DAFWA’s frost prediction would be an added advantage for the position which is aiming for developing or adapting a ‘Farm Energy Calculator’ for Western Australian farming systems. The appointment was delayed due mainly to change in Principal Investigator Dr. James Fisher, who resigned from DAFWA to take up a position as a Lecturer at the Curtin University. The development of prototype ‘Farm Energy Calculator’ has now recommenced and is on schedule.

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RIRDC Research in Progress – Farm management and environmental management systems Project Title National inventory of environmental management in

Australian agriculture RIRDC Project No.:

PHI-1A

Start Date: 01-May-2006 Finish Date: 15-Jun-2007 Researcher: Mrs Philippa Rowland Organisation: Phone: (02) 6492 4858 Fax: (02) 6492 4858 Email: woodlando@optusnet.com.au Objectives

To update the National Inventory of Environmental Management in Australian Agriculture – completed successfully under a previous RIRDC project, but not yet published and released into the public domain.

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

This revised National Inventory of Environmental Management in Australian Agriculture was commissioned to provide another snapshot of trends and activities on environmental management across industries and regions. The Inventory has been updated pending approval of final text from some of the industry contributors. In updating the report, the author sought additional relevant information from contributors on the following two matters: 1. whether progress has been made to address the gap between the on-ground information needs of landholders and the aspirational targets set at catchment and regional levels by the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality; 2. whether industries or regions were developing specific policies on adaptation to climate change for their members. The intention to closely link monitoring and evaluation to resource conditions has been tempered by recognition that many landscape changes are too complex and slow-moving for ready translation from on-ground action to immediate outcome at the landscape or regional scale. This had led to a focus on intermediate outcomes, using the ‘most significant change’ technique. Despite substantial activity on environmental management, there remains little consistency in the approaches used across Australia, though there is potential for improved efficiency and convergence over time.

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RIRDC Research in Progress – Farm management and environmental management systems Project Title Developing environmental service policy for salinity RIRDC Project No.:

UCS-39A

Start Date: 1 July 2006 Finish Date: 31 March 2008 Researcher: Dr Thomas L. Nordblom Organisation: Charles Sturt University (CSU) through E.H. Graham Centre for Agricultural

Innovation (a collaborative alliance between CSU and the NSW Department of Primary Industries).

Phone: 02 69381627 Fax: 02 69381809 Email: tom.nordblom@dpi.nsw.gov.au Objectives

To compare policy instruments that encourage changes in farm-level land use to deliver environmental services (fresh water and low salt loads) to downstream users.

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

Since funding was approved by RIRDC the CRC Salinity provided funds to extend the overall activities of its Catchment-Level Economics project, which supports this activity. Significant in-kind support is contributed by CRC Salinity, NSW DPI, CSU, UWA, Vic DPI, and the Central-West (NSW) and North-Central (Victoria) Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs). The project is making good progress towards meeting its agreed outcomes: the identification of market and policy instruments able to link downstream demand for environmental services such as water yield and water quality, to upstream land use changes. The project uses ‘experimental economics’ in which people, given different resource constraints and cost structures, generated by catchment-specific hydrology / economic models, respond to different policy options in replicated trials. This will allow testing of policy options for catchment management that arise in the project’s NSW, WA and Vic study areas. Model calibration and testing is near completion and experimental designs are being developed, all with the help of local expertise, CMAs and landholder communities in the study areas. Such an iterative process of collaboration, cross-checking and local review insures ownership and practical interest in the problem as well as a solid basis for policy analysis.

15

RIRDC Research in Progress – Frontier technologies Project Title Utilising NIRS and DNA Technologies to Manage Rangeland

Sustainability RIRDC Project No.:

CCW-1A

Start Date: 1/7/04 Finish Date: 30/8/08 Researcher: Peter McCafferty Organisation: Chemistry Centre (WA)

Curtin University (WA) Department of Agriculture and Food (WA)

Phone: 08 9222 3017 Fax: 08 9325 7767 Email: pmccafferty@ccwa.wa.gov.au Objectives

To provide a more comprehensive knowledge of the diet of rangeland animals through sample collection and analysis using the NIRS/DNA technique.

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

This project aims to provide producers with a powerful tool to optimise production while simultaneously maintaining environmental sustainability (and species biodiversity) of the rangelands. Work has continued on the accumulation on bovine and ovine samples for the NIR/DNA database. The database is now approaching 1,000 samples. All of the samples have full wet chemistry data and are currently being calibrated for a series of tools relevant to rangeland management. This database and (perhaps more importantly) accompanying samples constitutes an extremely valuable resource with inherent intellectual property. DNA fingerprints have been determined for the five significant fodder plants in the study area: enchyleana tomentose, rhagodia eremaea, pilotus obovatus, solanum lasiophyllum and eremophila forrestii. Several setbacks have occurred in the faecal-DNA analysis of the high tannin containing, cultivated pasture species (acacia saligna, several atriplex species and a rhagodia species). A focus on overcoming this issue will be made in the next few months. Negotiations are continuing with a major feed producer regarding commercial application of the NIR/DNA technology. It is hoped that this will result in a collaborative undertaking to extend the project findings via a commercial supplier. An abstract has been submitted to the International Rangeland Conference to be held in June next year (McCafferty, et al). The previously submitted scientific paper is still waiting on feedback from the British Journal of Nutrition (Ho, et al). The study team has established an important link between rangeland dietary tannins and acid digestible fibre. It is hoped that the full finding of this investigation will be published and/or presented at a conference next year (Kumara Mahipala et al). The full implication of this finding will be the subject of work over the following months.

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RIRDC Research in Progress – Frontier technologies Project Title Development of a desiccant solar drying system for

agricultural products RIRDC Project No.:

QUT-9A

Start Date: 25-Jan-2006 Finish Date: 31-Mar-2008 Researcher: Dr Kame Khouzam Organisation: School of Engineering Systems

Queensland University of Technology Phone: 07 3138 2483 Fax: 07 3138 1516 Email: k.khousam@qut.edu.au Objectives

To demonstrate the technical viability of solar drying using liquid desiccant air dehumidification, by developing a prototype drying system applicable to a number of agriculture products (such as peanuts and sorghum). The system would utilise solar energy as the main energy source with auxiliary electricity for air blowing and desiccant circulation.

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

The use of solar energy has the potential to replace fossil fuels for drying purposes as well as to enhance the quality of produce in a reasonable processing time. The increasing use of solar energy as a source of heat would undoubtedly improve the quality of the environment. Two modules have been constructed for air dehumidification and regeneration. The first unit was constructed out of fibre reinforced plastic and was tested for two modes of operation. Testing was done at air flow of 200 l/s and desiccant flow rate of 3.5 l/min. A solution of lithium chloride at 0.68 kg/litre of water (68% W/V) maintained outlet air relative humidity (RH) at approximately 12% and increased air temperature by 10oC. The regeneration test showed that water temperature as low as at 55 oC can be used to reconcentrate the solution. Higher air temperature (and low RH) is required when concentration exceeds 60%. The second unit was made of stainless steel. After few months, the solution showed discolouring and suspected contamination. The two modules were operated in tandem. It was observed that it is impossible to maintain the same rate of dehumidification and regeneration. It was concluded that it would be pointless to attempt to maintain the rate of regeneration to keep up with dehumidification. Using a reservoir of strong desiccant to maintain the drying process can efficiently solve this issue. Regeneration process can then run independently. A closed loop drying system is currently being investigated and testing of this system will follow.

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RIRDC Research in Progress – Frontier technologies Project Title Revegetation by design – promoting the ‘on farm’

use of native vegetation as agents for ‘natural pest control’

RIRDC Project No.:

SAR-59A

Start Date: 30/11/06 Finish Date: 30/06/09 Researcher: Ms Glenys Wood Organisation: South Australian Research and Development Institute Phone: 08 83039660 Fax: 08 83039542 Email: Wood.glenys@saugov.sa.gov.au Objectives

• To replace weeds that harbour pests and disease with native vegetation that

suppress pests. The vegetation plantings at the property scale will use 'best bet' native plants from recent a RIRDC project (RAS 02-35) to replace weeds.

• To evaluate beneficial insect movement using the brown lacewing, Micromus tasmaniae, as an indicator to assess the potential for biological control of native beneficial insects moving between native vegetation and agricultural crops.

• To develop guidelines for sustainable horticulture by integration of natural resource management and pest reduction strategies.

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

Replacement of weeds by establishing single species stands of ‘best bet’ native saltbushes at property scale has been undertaken on several commercial horticulture properties in Virginia on the Northern Adelaide Plains. We have selected five of these properties and undertaken monthly inter-property sampling of two species of saltbush (Rhagodia parabolica and Enchlylaena tomentosa) and a native grass (Danthonia linkii). Crop pests were rare on the native plants. Key natural enemies were present despite the relative immaturity of the plantations. Adult and juvenile brown lacewings have been identified, indicating that these native plant species may act as a refuge for this useful predatory insect in autumn. Other native plant species are also being evaluated and preliminary results indicate that natural enemies such as the Pacific Damsel bug (Nabis kinbergii) are surviving and reproducing on saltbush species such as Atriplex semibaccata. Sampling of brown lacewings on selected native vegetation refuges will be conducted in spring to evaluate the factors that may regulate their movement and determine their potential as bio-control agents in primary production. We have conducted several information sessions and trial plot tours for members of the industry committee, science peers, growers, secondary and tertiary and horticulture students.

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RIRDC Research in Progress – Frontier technologies Project Title Green roof-tops and self-sufficient fresh food

production RIRDC Project No.:

UCQ-20A

Start Date: 01-Oct-2006 Finish Date: 30-Sep-2009 Researcher: Prof David Midmore Organisation: Central Queensland University Phone: (07) 4930 9770 Fax: (07) 4930 9255 Email: d.midmore@cqu.edu.au Objectives

• To construct and operate city-based Green Rooftop Agro-Systems (GRAS)

that convert locally available food industry wastes into fresh organic fish, vegetables, and herbs on-site for direct and value added public distribution.

• To spark national and international uptake of this wholly Australian urban-agriculture technology, making a significant impact contemporary urban agronomics.

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

Two of the principal investigators attended the 2007 National Conference of the Australian Hydroponic and Greenhouse Association (by invitation) in Tasmania, presented an overview of the project for attendee review, and met with practitioners of hydroponics and aquaponics alike. The presentation included a literature review and was published in the Conference Proceedings. We forged useful links into new technologies and practitioners of aquaponics. Background negotiations for space and equipment for initial setting up of experiments are underway, including accessing of a steady source of organic waste for vermiculture. One PhD student is ready to start on vermiculture once his Masters thesis has been submitted, and another student position will be combined with an externally funded part-time position to support a full-time technician for the hydroponics component for two years.

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RIRDC Research in Progress – Frontier technologies Project Title Integrating inland saline aquaculture and livestock

production RIRDC Project No.:

UMU-35A

Start Date: 4 Sep 2006 Finish Date: 30 Nov 2009 Researcher: Alan Lymbery Organisation: Murdoch University Phone: (08) 9360 2729 Fax: (08) 9310 4144 Email: a.lymbery@murdoch.edu.au Objectives

To develop an integrated agri-aquaculture production system that uses fodder plants to filter nutrients from inland saline aquaculture effluent, and then feeds the plants as a summer/autumn fodder crop to grazing livestock.

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

The first phase of this project was to undertake laboratory and field trials of the growth of NyPa Forage plants, irrigated with aquaculture waste of different nutrient concentration, and using different cropping regimes. The first laboratory trial, measuring the effect of different nutrient concentrations on plant growth, is progressing well. The experimental wetland cells were established in late 2006 and the trial commenced in January 2007. There has been a clear response to greater nutrient concentrations, with significantly greater plant height and shoot spread at greater concentrations. The plants will be removed in June and measured for total biomass and nutritive value. The second experiment, measuring the effect of different cropping treatments on plant growth, will commence in July 2007. There has been a delayed start to the field trials at Springfield Waters Aquaculture because of a poor response of young plants to high salinity water, combined with a locust invasion over summer. A limited number of plants have survived and the plots will be supplemented with additional plants (currently being conditioned in a nursery at Murdoch University) at the break of the season (hopefully late May or June).

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RIRDC Research in Progress – Aquaculture and hydroponics Project Title Assessment of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) for

wastewater bioremediation RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-335A

Start Date: 1 Nov 2005 Finish Date: 30 Mar 2008 Researcher: Ms Evizel Seymour Organisation: Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Phone: (07) 4091 9313 Fax: (07) 4093 3903 Email: Evizel.seymour@dpi.qld.gov.au Objectives

To investigate turning the liability of wastewater generated by aquaculture (in the first instance) into an asset.

Current Progress (200 words maximum)

The R&D objective is to determine whether the aquatic lotus plant will be a viable and successful means of removing suspended solids and nutrients from wastewaters to enable water recycling within existing operations. This project, and a complementary FRDC application, aims to identify the nutrient assimilation capacities of various aquatic plants for remediation of agricultural wastewaters. Work with the industry partner is progressing well with the establishment of the lotus plants, which are growing well. Protocols have been established for the research and water quality analysis conducted routinely. Early results from the water quality monitoring are showing the plants are removing nutrients from the water. Preliminary research in commercialisation of lotus plant parts has been undertaken by the industry partner, by selling dried seed pods to florists for flower arrangements. Research at the Freshwater Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre has been delayed due to problems in establishing the Lotus plants. Damage from aquatic insects has been preventing the establishment of the aquatic plants. Recent attempts to solve this problem are showing signs of success in growing the aquatic plants and the research should now proceed. The fish are growing well and all other data collection is progressing well.