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Horticulturists demonstrate improved water quality and efficiency in the Burdekin

Horticulture growers in the Burdekin region have demonstrated a significant commitment to improved water use efficiency and better nutrient management.

Growers contributed more than $700 000 on equipment upgrades and improved management practices as part of an incentive programme funded by Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM (non-government site) and delivered by Growcom (non-government site).

Incentive grant funding of $100 000 was provided by BDTNRM, and horticulturists in the region invested seven times that amount. Growcom Land and Water Programme manager Rachel Mackenzie said that this was an extraordinary return on investment for an incentives programme and showed how committed growers were to improving practice.

To carry out important changes, growers only need support, advice and information on the best approach. Some of the changes that can be made include switching from furrow to drip irrigation, installing fertigation systems, reducing paddock traffic and improved irrigation scheduling.

According to Growcom Land and Water specialist Egberto Soto, one of the most ambitious projects was the installation of a network of radio transmitters linked to enviroscan units by Rapisarda Enterprises, one of the largest melon producers in Queensland. Because of the variation in soil type across farms it is often difficult to make decisions about when to irrigate and apply nutrients.

The soil moisture monitoring equipment helps in making the right decision at the right time for the specific crop stage, thus improving water use efficiency and reducing nutrient run-off.

Another highlight of this programme was the improved water use efficiency achieved at Rugby Farms, with up to 10 millilitres of water saved per hectare per season on bean crops.

Growcom is delighted that the Burdekin Dry Tropics NRM group will provide another $100 000 to help develop similar work for growers in the region who missed the first round. The second round will use the Sustainable Landscapes Programme adapted to the horticulture industry.

Growcom adapted Sustainable Landscapes to the horticulture industry with assistance from Reeflink, a collaborative project funded by NHT.

Growcom is thrilled to be delivering incentives on behalf of the regional group and hopes that the success of this project will lead to a greater investment in incentives throughout the GBR catchment.

Last reviewed 03 March 2008

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