Current Projects
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Key Dates
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Research Projects
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Key Dates
Reporting
Research Projects
Current Research Projects
Next-generation rhizobial inoculation systems to improve nitrogen fixation in lentil (UAD2526)
The goal of this project is to develop next-generation rhizobial inoculation systems for lentils by integrating advanced seed-coating technologies with climate-adapted plant growth-promoting bacteria. The project aims to deliver pre-inoculated, ready-to-sow lentil...
Novel plant growth-promoting bacteria to increase wheat productivity and NUE (UAD2426)
This project will evaluate the performance, stability, and nitrogen-use efficiency benefits of the previously selected high-performing plant growth-promoting bacterial strains across cropping environments relevant to SA growers. It will translate the results towards...
Optimising a DGT to predict the risk of IMI herbicide residues (UAD0626)
Herbicide residues such as those of imidazolinones (IMI) products are of increasing concern to growers. However, predictive tests to assess the potential toxicity of herbicide residues to crops are not currently available. This project will establish and validate a...
Improving nutrient management on highly calcareous soils of southern Yorke Peninsula (TCO4426)
This project will establish a research and extension hub on the Southern Yorke Peninsula to deliver field-based research that improves nutrient management decisions for growers on highly calcareous soils. It will evaluate nutrient strategies, including key macro and...
Generate disease resistance data for SA Sowing Guide (SFL5226)
The South Australian Sowing Guide is a critical decision-support tool for growers, providing independent information on variety performance, agronomic fit and disease resistance. This SAGIT project aims to strengthen disease resistance information in the SA Sowing...
Pests and beneficial invertebrates at crop establishment: supporting SA growers after the loss of chlorpyrifos (SAU0726)
This project aims to assess the impacts of post-chlorpyrifos establishment pest management practices on pest pressure and beneficial invertebrate activity. The project will identify the most influential beneficial taxa and critical establishment periods where...
Monitoring and delivery of management practices for fungicide resistance in SA grain crops (SAU0526)
Fungicide resistance is now a major threat to grain production in SA. Of particular concern are triple-fungicide resistant net form net blotch (NFNB) strains confirmed in SA, with resistance across all three major fungicide groups. These developments undermine...
Barley net blotch fungicide resistance management in the South-East (SAR5426)
Barley net form net blotch (NFNB) is a significant disease constraint in SA, with increasing complexity in disease management due to variable varietal resistance and fungicide resistance issues. This project aims to generate locally relevant evidence to support...
Identifying and managing potassium deficiency on Lower Eyre Peninsula (SAR4926)
Farmers on lower Eyre Peninsula (LEP) are starting to experience potassium deficiency, with a recent trial demonstrating potential large yield responses. This project will examine a range of PA tools and historical methods to help define where potassium is an issue,...
Soil carbon measurement and validation of practices which increase soil carbon (SAR3326)
This project has two components focusing on improved soil carbon measurement and validating where soil carbon has increased. Part 1 includes the further understanding of soil carbon measurements, its accuracy and guidelines for assessment including the use of carbon...
Tackling herbicide residues and lentil root diseases (SAR1526)
Lentil growing is increasing in SA, with farmers using shorter rotations which can lead to build up of root diseases. Dry summer conditions can result in increased risk of active herbicide residues present at seeding. When herbicide residues are combined with root...
Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems Summary (SAR0326)
This project will provide partial cost of printing and development of the Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems Summaries 2027, 2028 and 2029, enabling continued distribution of this important summary to all growers, industry representatives, researchers and consultants on...
SA Mallee regional internship in applied grains research and extension (MSF5526)
The project will provide an opportunity for an early career graduate to gain experience in applied research and extension across highly variable low rainfall farming environment. The project will create opportunities for industry connection through established...
MacKillop Farm Management Group Annual Trial Results Book 2026-2028 (MFM0426)
The aim of this project is to improve awareness and accessibility of agricultural trial results by producing and distributing a Trial Results book featuring results from trials conducted in the Limestone Coast. The publication compiles articles based on scientifically...
Regional internship in applied grains research (HAR1326)
Hart's one year internship will deliver a high-quality program of training and hands-on experience in applied grains research, with the successful candidate gaining exposure to all aspects of Hart's research and extension work. Interns receive 1:1 mentoring, external...
Hart ‘Getting the Crop In’ seminar, speaker support (HAR0126G)
Hart's annual Getting the Crop In (GTCI) seminar is held in March each year and aims to provide attendees with relevant and timely information to consider ahead of the upcoming season. As one of Hart's four main events, GTCI is the only event not hosted at the Hart...
Appropriate fertiliser strategies with sowing position for lentils on Yorke Peninsula (CAS4526)
To further determine the residual benefit of on-row sowing and appropriate fertiliser strategies for sensitive crops on Phosphorus deficient and moderately saline calcareous soil types of Yorke Peninsula. This project is a co-investment, with GRDC providing 50% of the...
Capeweed control and weed management strategies in lentils (BRO1126)
Broadleaf weeds in lentils are a major contributor to yield loss. In paddocks with a history of pasture, capeweed proliferates. Lentil plantings are expanding into these areas. Combined with early sowing, capeweed has impacted lentil grain yield. This project aims to...
Production of the 2027 SA Crop Sowing Guide (ASA6326)
This project is for the production of the 2027 South Australian Crop Sowing Guide. The guide will detail key characteristics of current and new crop varieties relevant to SA for the 10 most important field crops: wheat, barley, oat, canola, faba bean, lentil, field...
Maximising nitrogen efficiencies in wheat and canola – Fleurieu Peninsula/Murraylands (AGX4226)
This project seeks to quantify crop yield, grain quality, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency differences between Nitrogen (N) fertiliser forms, application strategies and Enhanced Efficiency Fertilisers (EEF) relative to conventional urea in wheat and canola. Researchers...
Benefitting Mallee growers by optimising summer weed control applications (AGX3026)
This project will conduct two adjuvant spray experiments, one in the northern Mallee (Waikerie or Loxton) and one in the southern Mallee (Lameroo) to test a range of commercial adjuvant products in combination with standard grower herbicide mixes, targeting common...
Rethinking K: site-specific strategies for southern cropping areas (AGX2226)
The overall goal is to develop practical, site-specific potassium (K) fertiliser management guidelines for high-rainfall cropping systems in the Upper South East, focusing on the limestone-loam soils in the region. Current knowledge gaps include the unreliability of...
Optimising profitability in non-GM canola with novel ryegrass control methods (AGR4726)
Genetically modified (GM) canola provides generally excellent ryegrass control with the options currently available. However, the price received for GM canola is generally lower than that of non-GM. This project aims to explore a range of ryegrass control options in...
Machine-learning VRN: Fusing protein, satellites, soil sensing and weather (AGM1426)
This project will develop a data fusion platform that integrates yield and protein maps, soil sensing, satellite data and local weather to deliver risk-adjusted variable-rate nitrogen prescriptions at growth stages 21 to 30, improving nitrogen use efficiency,...
Using crop rotations to reduce fungicide and herbicide resistance risk: extension (AGC3726)
This extension project will communicate the benefits of well-planned, diverse crop rotations in South Australian grain systems to improve disease and weed management, maintain fungicide and herbicide effectiveness, and support long-term profitability and...
Lead Agriculture Teacher of South Australia (AGC3526)
The Lead Ag Teacher role supports schools to more effectively teach and implement agriculture throughout their curriculum. The program is delivered by AgCommunicators consultant Sue Pratt, an experienced agriculture teacher and past President of the Agricultural...
Ag Excellence Forum and Awards (AEX5726G)
The Ag Excellence Forum 2026 recognises that the pace of innovation in agriculture is at an all time high. With a growing suite of digital tools, platforms and emerging technologies, growers and grower groups face a key challenge: choosing the right options, at the...
Ken Schaefer Eyre Peninsula Internship in applied grains research 2027 (AEP2326)
This project will build capacity in the Eyre Peninsula grains industry by employing a recent graduate as a 12-month applied research and extension intern in 2027, hosted by EPAG Research. The intern will develop practical skills in trial design, agronomy, data...
The SPAA 2025 Precision Ag Expo (SPA1625)
The 2025 SPAA Precision Ag Expo was held on 27 March 2025 in Wallaroo. This conference-style event brings together growers, researchers, agronomists, precision ag (PA) consultants and the education sector. The 2025 event explored the latest applications of PA developments in relation to soils, seeding, satellites, sensors and other tech, as well as spraying (in terms of targeted weed management).
SA Mallee regional internship in farming systems and applied grains research and extension (MSF7124)
The intern will gain hands-on experience of regional research and develop an understanding of the challenges of farming in a low rainfall zone. Through mentoring by an MSF farmer member, the intern will gain insight into the practicalities of farming in the Mallee, its challenges and rewards. The intern will work on projects that have been prioritised by MSF and local farmers, such as crop rotations, amelioration, soil variability, weed management, soil moisture and risk management and business development. This project was funded through and out-of-session application in October 2024 and is a co-investment, with the SA Drought Hub providing 50% of the total funding.
Mixed farming intern – Limestone Coast (MFM1125)
This project will employ an intern to build the human capacity of the grain-livestock industry, particularly in the areas of research, development and extension and drought resilience in the Limestone Coast (south east SA). This project is a co-investment, with the SA Drought Hub providing 50% of the total funding.
Regional internship in applied grains research (HAR5025)
This project aims to continue Hart’s current regional internship program in applied research and extension, relevant to the needs of the southern grains industry. The program will allow for the long-term succession of new graduates into the industry by creating awareness of field applied roles, leading to greater research capacity across the South Australian grains industry. This project is a co-investment, with SA Drought Hub providing $50,000 of the total funding.
Developing carbon sequestration rules of thumb for farmers and advisors (SAR2025)
This project will investigate the effect spatial factors and sampling methodology have on soil carbon measurements. The results will be used to develop a “Rules of Thumb” for South Australian farmers and advisors who are considering entering into the carbon market. These rules of thumb will help to decide on the best soil carbon sampling strategy suited to individual farming systems and situations. This project is a co-investment with SARDI providing $20,000 of the total funding.
Student Compendium – supporting the next generation, 2026-2028 (AIA1925)
This project aims to support interns to develop and produce the next three versions of the Student Compendium (2026, 2027 and 2028); connect students to primary industries, and industry to students while assisting the next generation to find opportunities to broaden career horizons; and create an innovative, unique resource as a “call everyone to action” on all the SA Blueprints, particularly the SA Grains Industry Blueprint.
Lead Agriculture Teacher of South Australia (AGC4025)
The Lead Ag Teacher role supports schools to more effectively teach and implement agriculture throughout their curriculum. The program is delivered by AgCommunicators consultant Sue Pratt, an experienced agriculture teacher and past President of the Agricultural Teachers Association of SA (ATASA). The program provides support to teachers to help them confidently deliver high quality, engaging food and fibre content. This project is a co-investment, with the SA Sheep Industry Fund providing 50% of the total funding.
Ken Schaefer internship in applied grains research (AEP0525)
The aim of this project is to improve the capacity of grains research, development and extension in the Eyre Peninsula region through the employment of an annual intern within local research organisations in 2026. This project will also further develop applied research skills of recent graduates so they will be able to make an improved contribution to the grains RD&E industry in SA. This internship has been named in honour of inaugural SAGIT Chair Ken Schaefer and recognises his contribution to agriculture on the EP. This project is a co-investment, with the SA Drought Hub providing $50,000 of the total funding.
A new high-value noodle market for SA growers – Phase II (AEG0325)
The aim of this initiative is to establish a new high-value hard noodle wheat market in South Australia. This project seeks to enhance returns for growers by boosting and stabilising the demand for suitable Australian Hard (AH) wheat varieties intended for premium noodles targeting Asian markets. The project is a co-investment, with GRDC providing 50% of the total funding.
Improving barley genetic diversity for enhanced drought resilience (UAD3325)
The project aim is to increase the genetic diversity available to barley breeders to improve complex traits for the benefit of South Australian growers, with a focus on drought resilience. This will include investigating two novel yield component loci from wild barley, which could improve the productivity of barley and its adaptation to warmer and drier environments. Researchers predict this approach will help boost the sustainability of grain production systems.
Capacity building for managing exotic snails in South Australian grain crops (UAD2625)
This project will build capacity by supporting a University of Adelaide PhD project investigating the genetic diversity and invasion origins of exotic snail lineages infesting Australian grains crops. The project is critical to inform the on-farm management of major pest snails, while simultaneously developing long term capacity for the grains industry, based in SA, in the genetics, diagnostics, ecology and management of exotic pest snails.
Risk assessment and mitigation associated with dry sowing (UAD1025)
Field and pot experiments will be conducted to improve understanding of factors influencing establishment under low soil moisture and to provide guidelines on how to address the risks associated with dry sowing. Field trials will be conducted at three sites in the Mid North to examine the effects of crop type and sowing depth on crop establishment, growth and yield with dry sowing. Pot trials will examine effects of intermittent rainfall on seed survival and establishment in different crops. This project is a co-investment, with the SA Drought Hub providing 50% of the total funding.
Assessing the role of grain protein maps in improving nitrogen (N) fertiliser response across variable environments and crop rotations (TCO5325)
Improved nitrogen management is a common goal for many growers, given its importance in optimising yields and the associated costs. Utilising available data sources is central to this improvement and recent development in grain protein sensing has shown potential for targeting N inputs spatially. This project will assess the utility of this data for improving N applications.
Novel frost risk mitigation strategies for lentils (SAR4125)
This project will provide management strategies that mitigate frost risk for lentil by assessing the ability of lentils to recover following frost events when supplied with frost tolerance promoting products, including hormones to enhance flower recovery and bactericides to act as antimicrobial agents, compared to without these products. This project is a co-investment with GRDC providing 50% of the total funding.
Assessing nitrogen management strategies to improve crop emissions intensity (NEW5125)
This project aims to demonstrate how commercially available nitrogen management strategies can help to improve on-farm emissions intensity through local replicated plot trials, along with assessing the productivity and economic impacts.
Capeweed control and weed management strategies in lentils (NEW0225)
Broadleaf weed in lentils are a major contributor to yield loss. On lighter soils with a history of pasture, capeweed proliferates. Lentils are expanding into these areas. Combined with early sowing, capeweed has had a large impact on lentil grain yield. This project aims to find solutions to capeweed and other common broadleaf weeds in lentil production systems.
Maximising economic value of metribuzin tolerant lentils across cropping rotations (FFS2725)
This project will evaluate the profitability and sustainability of cropping systems using lentils with the new metribuzin (MET) tolerance trait in combination with the imidazolinone (IMI) tolerance trait compared to those using the IMI trait alone. Lentil expansion areas of the SA southern Mallee and Eyre Peninsula will be the focus where problem weeds from historic farming systems and herbicide residues on coarse textured, low organic matter soils are constraints to production.
Agronomic strategies enhancing utilisation of insoluble phosphorus sources through amendments (ELD3925)
The aim of this project is to assess selected amendments or additives to monoammonium phosphate to reduce the precipitation of soluble phosphorus in calcareous, alkaline and high phosphorus buffering index soils in SA’s Lower South East.
Crown rot resistance in a durum variety (DGA1225)
This project aims to develop agronomically reliable durum wheat lines resistant to crown rot which will be released to growers through AGT. The effect of crown rot resistance in durum lines developed by SARDI will be evaluated and demonstrated to growers through the use of inoculated field trials. This project also aims to provide growers with greater reliability of achieving the premiums available for durum production in all areas.
Evaluating commercial products to enhance phosphorus fertiliser efficiency (ASO5225)
This project addresses one of SAGIT’s issues of significance, a critical evaluation of products claimed to improve the efficacy of phosphorus fertilisers. This will be done by focusing on improving Phosphorus Use Efficiency (PUE) on moderate to highly calcareous soils that are present on Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Mid-North and the Upper South East broadacre cropping regions.
Wheat powdery mildew management strategies for the Upper South East (AGX2525)
This project will investigate the effectiveness of existing and emerging wheat powdery mildew (WPM) control options across a range of varieties with diverse susceptibility ratings for growers and agronomists affected by powdery mildew in SA. It will investigate the agronomic efficacy and economic effectiveness of control options in each wheat variety to create new information on emerging powdery mildew. The project will also extend existing knowledge from current WPM SAGIT projects and newly generated findings to growers.
Upper South East and Mallee lentil herbicide safety and variety performance (AGX2225)
This project will evaluate and compare the safety of various herbicide treatments and use-patterns on lentils on typical Upper South East (SE) and Murray Mallee soils. The aim is to determine the viability of lentils as a legume rotation option in cereal-canola dominant cropping systems, and soil types where faba bean and lupin rotations are limited by profitability, marketability and scalability. The research will also investigate the yield comparison between lentil varieties at Malinong to address the lack of NVT data relevant to the Upper SE. This project is a co-investment, with GRDC providing 50% of the total funding.
Production of 2026, 2027 and 2028 Farm Gross Margin/Risk Guide for SA (AEX0425)
This project aims to produce an updated Farm Gross Margin/Risk Guide to improve business acumen of crop and livestock producers in SA. The guide will increase crop and livestock producers’ capacity to assess the relative profitability and risk of enterprises as part of their farm business planning process, leading to improved farm planning, decision making and providing more profitable and sustainable businesses. This project is a co-investment, with GRDC providing 50% of the total funding.
Novel strategies for controlling hard-seeded vetch in lentils (ACR4725)
This project will evaluate alternative herbicide strategies for controlling hard-seeded vetch in lentil crops. Field trials over two seasons will assess pre- and post-emergent applications and herbicide stacking to improve control. The results will provide practical recommendations to growers, supporting the profitability and expansion of South Australia’s pulse industry.
Strategies for mitigating frost damage in the Upper North region (UNF1724)
Frost events have been a significant concern in the Upper North region, resulting in substantial crop losses and economic impacts in previous years. The Upper North is susceptible to frost damage at various stages in the growing season, leading to decreased yields. Therefore, a holistic approach applying proven research outcomes over numerous years will be trialled in local validation trials and extended through this project. This project is a co-investment, with GRDC providing 50% of the total funding.
An improved and rapid test to inform sodic soil management (UAD4624)
Large areas of South Australia are affected by sodic soils which results in lost agricultural productivity. Determination of gypsum rate requirements using conventional methods is problematic and can lead to increased costs for producers. The aim of this project is to develop an improved and rapid test for assessing gypsum requirements to improve crop production in sodic soils in South Australia.
Increasing pulse yields: focus paddocks to identify and manage soilborne constraints (UAD2624)
This project will assist South Australian growers to increase pulse yields by managing paddock variation associated with soil biotic and abiotic constraints. Data generated will also form the foundation for a decision support model. Focus paddocks will be mapped for pathogen levels and rhizobia as well as physical characteristics including pH, salinity and soil type. These factors will be related to remote sensing imagery and yield maps to determine the drivers of variation.