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Saving WaterWater is a critical driver of wealth across the dairy chain, but particularly on farms. Water use is increasingly competitive, therefore dairy industry growth will depend on long-term efficiency gains and better access to water. Ultimately the dairy industry must be able to make profitable use of water in the quantities and at the price the climate and market provides. The industry, through Dairy Australia, also has a responsibility to provide policy makers with the best and latest research information about water use efficiencies, long-term water use options and industry initiatives that are being taken to ensure industry sustainability.
Major Water R&D Projects
Increasing water use efficiency -Feasibility and sustainability of subsurface drip (SSD) irrigation of pasture (DAV 11924): Subsurface drip (SSD) irrigation has the potential to increase water use efficiency by 25%. Preliminary results indicate that it is technically feasible to use SSD for grazed pastures. Continued grazing by large herds of dairy cows has not impacted on the dripper lines, despite the fact that experimental sites were deeply ripped before pasture was established and grazing started. The focus of the project now is to determine the economics and sustainability of the SSD system. This research aims to assess the feasibility of SSD on dairy farms, evaluate the catchment consequences of its adoption and develop materials to support the dairy industry implement the technology. The project is funded by DPI Victoria, DSE Victoria, DA and Murray Dairy and is due to finish June 2010. For further information contact: Lucy Finger, Environmental Hydrologist, DPI Victoria; Phone 03 5833 5324, Email: lucy.finger@dpi.vic.gov.au Identifying reliable water sources - Water and the Australian Dairy Industry Dairy Australia has commissioned a study to look at water availability, water use and water reliability for all significant dairy catchments. The study will also help identify likely changes to supply due to policy or competitive changes to availability of the resource. Specifically data will be collated on:
For further information contact Chris Murphy, Dairy Australia CMurphy@dairyaustralia.com.au Phone: 03 9694 7864. Insert water reports from Chris M Selecting the best irrigation system -Efficient Irrigation Technologies to Match Soils and Dairy Farming Systems Information from this research is now available to help farmers and catchment planners make the best decisions about when to invest in sprinkler irrigation. The information comes in two formats. 1. Web-based Irrigation system selection and design guidelines to help landowners and service providers make informed decisions on when to invest in farm irrigation infrastructure. The information on the Irrigation and Design Guidelines is provided as 5 key steps which guide a manager through a logical decision making process. The guidelines can be found at: http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/vro/vrosite.nsf/pages/lwm_farmwater_efficient_irrigation_wheel 2. Discussion papers to help catchment planners develop policy to ensure sound public investment in farm irrigation infrastructure. These papers were used to update the Shepparton Irrigation Region Catchment Management Strategy. The project was funded by DPI Victoria, DA and Murray Dairy. Current projects
Recently completed projects
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