Exploring irrigation decision making in the Mallee

La Trobe University researcher Dr Natalie Araujo

Growers, irrigation specialists and other industry representatives have been sharing their experiences of irrigation practices in Mallee vineyards and almond and citrus orchards as part of a cross-state research project.

The Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub project, supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, aims to support growers in optimising their irrigation decisions, thereby improving crop production and enhancing farm-business resilience and sustainability under drought conditions.

Along with the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub, three other Hubs are involved in the project: South Australia, Tasmania and Southern NSW.

La Trobe University researcher Dr Natalie Araujo, who visited Mildura to interview participants, said, “We are asking questions about irrigation decisions and the factors that influence decision making, the technologies people are using, and how people have responded to previous drought and extended hot periods.”

Interviewees were from across large-scale and smaller productions, irrigation management and industry organisations.

The research will also contribute to developing or enhancing irrigation-scheduling tools and solutions.

For more information, see the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre website.

The Vic Hub’s North-West Irrigated Horticulture Node is the only participating Victorian region.