Improved water-use efficiency of rainfed and irrigated farming systems in Tasmania Dr Tina Acuna

National GRDC initiative Grains Research and Development Corporation ‘Realising yield potential through farming systems research, development & extension’ $11.5 million total investment over 5 years Identify and ameliorate major constraints to production in Southern and Western Australia to lift average water-use efficiency (WUE) by 10%

Background WUE between 2 to >20 kg/ha.mm Limited WUE data for Tasmania Potential for high yields –12 t/ha wheat yield Emerging developments: –Increasing access to irrigation –Shift from HP to LPO systems –Growing interest in dual purpose grain cropping –Use of raised bed cropping –Implementation of stubble retention –Climate variability and change

1. Benchmark WUE Review –Collate published and unpublished grain yield and rainfall/irrigation data Farmer interviews Monitor System modeling

2. Prioritise options for improved WUE Farmer discussion groups Field trials Monitoring System modeling Cressy Sassafras Coal Valley S Midlands

3. Promote best-bet practice Develop guidelines for best-bet water management practices for rainfed and irrigated grain production Promotion of best practices through: –On farm demonstration –Farmer workshops –Yield Prophet TM

Project team Dr Tina AcunaAgronomistTIAR, UTAS Dr Shaun LissonFarming systems scientistCSIRO SE Mr Geoff DeanAgronomistTIAR, SFS Dr Peter JohnsonAgronomistTIAR Dr Peter McIntoshAtmospheric scientistCSIRO MAR Dr Bill CotchingSoil scientistTIAR, CSIRO SE Dr James HuntFarming systems scientistBCG (Vic.) Mr Marek MatuszekTechnician, honours studentTIAR, UTAS Prof. David McNeilDirector TIARTIAR