Evaluating novel approaches for drought resilience through capitalising on an established network of long-term trials

This project focuses on enhancing the resilience of Australian farming systems and soils, enabling them to withstand and recover from frequent and extreme weather events. This resilience is crucial for the financial health and sustainability of farms, as well as for the well-being of rural communities. Utilizing the Soil CRC’s resources, which include seven established field trials and a network of research and grower groups, the project aims to showcase the effectiveness of innovative practices in improving drought resilience. By analyzing up to eight years of field data from New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, the project will refine APSIM model to assess the impact of new treatments, such as cover crops and soil amendments, on soil water retention, crop water use efficiency, and crop yield consistency. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate how these practices can reduce long-term financial risks for farmers. Grower groups will then disseminate these drought-mitigation strategies through their networks, promoting more resilient farming practices.

Partners

Soil CRC led Consortium

Funded by

Future Drought Fund