Current Projects
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Key Dates
Reporting
Research Projects
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Key Dates
Reporting
Research Projects
Current Research Projects
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.
Multi-scale monitoring of pests and beneficial insects in canola cropping (UAD1424)
This PhD project will look to develop multi-scale (regional to paddock scale) monitoring methods for canola pests and beneficials, both pre-season and during season. The results will allow for improved risk analysis and decision making for integrated pest management by farmers and agronomists, avoiding over-use of insecticides.
The impact of annual ryegrass seed size on harvest weed seed control mill efficacy (TCO6424)
This project will quantify the variability in seed weight from field samples of the weed annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) and quantify how seed weight of annual ryegrass impacts the efficacy of harvest weed seed control (HWSC) impact mills.
Making the most of phosphorus(P) fertiliser inputs: Managing spatial variability and long-term strategies (TCO6024)
The overall aim of this project is to increase the profitability from phosphorus (P) fertiliser applications and determine sustainable P fertiliser strategies. This project focuses on two key P management areas: improving applications in variable paddocks/landscapes and refining long-term P management strategies on highly P responsive soils. This project will build on the results from SAGIT projects TC219 and TC221. This project is a co-investment, with GRDC providing 50% of the total funding.
Drought preparedness using barley architecture and phenology for biomass production (SAR5124)
The project aims to better understand the plant characteristics, including phenology and architecture, required to maximise biomass production for barley in grazed, grain and opportunistic grain and grazed scenarios across variable rainfall seasons. A diverse set of elite and novel varieties will be tested by different simulated grazing treatments across low, medium and high rainfall zones of South Australia.
Specialised research seeder to advance management of soil biological constraints (SAR3424)
Field research projects on the management of soilborne diseases and rhizobia are severely constrained by the limitations of current research seeders. The development of a specialised research seeder will enable SA researchers to undertake world leading research to develop innovative practices to manage soil biological constraints in broadacre crops. This project is for Stage 1 of a three-stage process to 1. review, 2. design and 3. build a state-of-art research seeder.
Grains pathology internship (SAR3324)
The project will support a Grains Pathology Trainee to be mentored by experienced staff from the grains pathology teams within SARDI Crop Sciences’ Plant Health and Diagnostics program. The mentoring will include laboratory and field pathology training provided by SARDI cereal and pulse pathologists, extension of information through written means, such as SARDI’s Crop Watch, participation in regional field days, and other industry support for grains pathology diagnostics.
Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems Summary 2024-2026 (SAR2424)
This project will provide partial cost for the printing and development of the Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems Summaries 2024, 2025 and 2026, enabling continued distribution of this important summary to all growers, industry representatives, researchers and consultants on EP. The Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems Summary is an annual publication consisting of research results undertaken on EP and other areas of relevance, and their implications to upper EP farming systems.
Novel health food products from oats – fermented, spoonable snacks (SAR1224)
The aim of this project is to use Australian grown oats in a new product format, that is not a breakfast cereal or bakery ingredient, that capitalises on the current market trends in ‘freefrom’ foods (in this case, free-from lactose or dairy) and fermented foods for improved gut health. The overall objective of the study is to develop healthy fibre enriched fermented spoonable snacks from oat flour/bran with a clean label (minimum number of food additives).
Convenient, delicious and nutritious value-added foods from Australian pulses (SAR0624)
This project aims to use a range of local pulses to make a range of attractive, delicious, nutritious and convenient pre-cooked food products that have wide appeal. This will include determining the appropriate processing steps for each grain type that would work in a commercial food manufacturing set-up to achieve acceptable grain texture and provide long shelf-life in can and/or pouch formats. The proof-of-concept products will be packaged in a variety of formats and tested with consumers, food manufacturers and food retailers.
Optimising lentil yields through rotation intransient salinity soils (NEW0224)
This project aims to make transient saline soils more productive again for growing lentils through the use of a chemical fallow phase of the rotation. The fallow allows both soil moisture to be conserved through stubble load, helping for lentil establishment, and will also aim to reduce the area of saline affected soil for the following crops.
Regional internship in applied grains research (HAR5524)
This project offers a regionally based internship program, providing a stepping-stone for early career researchers to receive high quality training and hands-on experience to develop their research skills. This program supports young researchers interested in grains RD&E to pursue further research roles while increasing research capacity within the grains industry. This project is a co-investment, with the SA Drought Hub providing an additional $34,068 funding.
Lentils for sustainable rotations on low-rainfall highly alkaline calcareous soils (GGG6624)
This project will improve the sustainability of SA’s diverse and expansive low rainfall cropping areas by expanding lentil production, as a legume break crop for cereals, on highly alkaline calcareous soils in these regions. It will build on the recent successful research, extension and expansion of lentil through the low rainfall Mallee type areas across South Australia, by targeting constraints to profitable production with a focus on the Upper Eyre Peninsula (UEP).
Appropriate fertiliser strategies for on-row lentil sowing in saline soils (CAS5724)
This project aims to determine the residual benefit of on-row and off-row sowing and appropriate fertiliser strategies for sensitive lentil crops in phosphorus deficient and moderately saline calcareous soil types of Yorke Peninsula. Research will investigate management techniques of utilising residual phosphorous in a cereal phase along with phosphorous placement at seeding to optimise lentil grain yields and economic returns. This project is a co-investment, with GRDC providing 50% of the total funding.
Wheat powdery mildew management strategies (AGX4724)
This project aims to demonstrate to growers and agronomists the effectiveness of existing and emerging wheat powdery mildew (WPM) control options across varieties with diverse susceptibility ratings. It will also raise awareness of the importance of cultural considerations with regards to WPM management and an understanding of pathogen resistance to commonly used fungicides. This project provides an opportunity to extend existing knowledge generated through current SAGIT-funded WPM projects.
Unravelling crop yield response to application of organic amendments on different soil types (ASO5624)
This project aims to assess the impact of organic amendments on soil condition and crop response on three contrasting soil types. Through this process, the aim is to provide growers with recommendations on ‘target soils’ where organic amendment applications can provide maximum benefit. Researchers will endeavour to define suitable frequency and application rates of organic amendments in combination with inorganic fertiliser.
Lead Agriculture Teacher (AGC6724)
The Lead Ag Teacher role supports schools to more effectively teach and implement agriculture throughout their curriculum. The program, now in its third year, is delivered by AgC consultant Sue Pratt, an experienced agriculture teacher and past President of the Agricultural Teachers Association of SA (ATASA).
Ag Excellence Forum 2024 (AEX0524G)
The Ag Ex Forum is held to bring together grower groups with industry, government, researchers and other expertise to address timely issues and an opportunity to extend networks. Forum 2024 will address the increasing pressure of sustainability trends and the role of technology.
Developing a DGT methodology to assess bioavailability of herbicide residues (USA121)
A robust testing system for imidazolinone residues is to be developed using Diffusive Gradient in Thin-Films (DGT) technology. This tool will provide information on bioavailability of herbicide residues independent of soil type characteristics. The DGT tool will be validated in spiked soils, in a range of soil types and two water regimes. The DGT tool for glyphosate residue is also to be assessed.
Pesticide effects on soil microbial functions in contrasting SA soils (USA3323)
The aim of this project is to understand how soil properties influence the effects of pesticides on soil health. The project team will assess six targeted pesticides in 10 contrasting South Australian broadacre cropping soils. This knowledge will deliver farmers essential information for identifying the best pesticide-soil combinations to maintain healthy soil microbial communities.
Canola profitability as a break crop in the Upper North (UNF2822)
This project aims to explore if new canola technology allows it to be a more reliable and viable break crop option in the Upper North agricultural zone. The project will assess the profitability of different canola agronomy packages in local validation trials (GM vs open pollinated TT) against wheat over a three-year period.
Revegetation for enhanced biocontrol of pest conical snails (UAD2522)
This study investigates the impact of native revegetation on suppressing conical snail populations on the Yorke Peninsula. The establishment of revegetation strips adjacent to grain cropping paddocks and near silos can enhance the survival of a beneficial parasitoid fly by providing essential floral food resources and refugia, boosting parasitism rates and suppression of pest conical snails.
Delivery of beneficial organisms through seed coating to improve grain yield (UAD4423)
This is a pilot project focused on seed quality improvement and enhanced grain production in wheat, barley, chickpea and canola as major diverse crops in SA. This will be achieved by generating new formulas for seed coating that enhance the delivery of Trichoderma, mycorrhizal fungi and other beneficial microbes, nutrients and other effective additives.
Screening for genetic components of head retention in barley (UAD3223)
Barley head loss is an ongoing issue that leads to reduced yield based on environmental factors and cultivar sensitivity. Although management options exist, improved genetic solutions are needed to limit the seasonal and site variability. In this project, researchers will extend current knowledge of head loss management and peduncle structure to consider new cultivars and candidate genes that might influence head retention.
Improving industry response to white grain disorder and fusarium head blight outbreaks while protecting export markets (UAD3023)
This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and aims to improve industry preparedness for dealing with white grain disorder and fusarium head blight to reduce rejection and down-grading of grain at silos while protecting SA’s export markets. Grain samples, trial data, spore trapping data and weather data will be utilised.
Developing new breeding material to stabilise barley yields (UAD2023)
South Australian crops can be severely impacted by poor and variable growing conditions, which includes low-fertility soils. Crop plants possess strong instincts to reduce grain number due to variable growing conditions or reduced fertiliser. This is a major contributor to the yield gap in SA. This project seeks to help close this yield gap through the import and testing of new genetic material that makes barley less responsive to environmental conditions.
Preparing for a pulse protein market – pulse options for expansion areas (UAD1623)
This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and aims to provide information to growers when considering a pulse protein market in key pulse expansion areas. This will be achieved by evaluating current genetic variation for protein content and seed quality, evaluating the crop choices for different environments, and by conducting an economic analysis.
Colour preservation in faba beans to enhance quality and value (UAD1423)
Seed colour is an important quality trait required to meet the highest value export markets for faba bean, with consumers demanding a pale tan colour. Faba beans darken on storage, and storage temperature and moisture both affect this process. This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and has three aims: to determine what chemical mechanism is behind the darkening process; to find a low-cost post-harvest treatment able to slow down the darkening; and to look for varietal differences in storage darkening.
Optimising crop establishment under dry and marginal soil moisture (UAD1323)
The aim of this project is to improve the effectiveness of dry sowing focusing on wheat and canola. It will conduct experiments at three sites with different rainfalls and soils to examine the effect of sowing practices on establishment at a range of sowing times. The project will explore the ability of remote sensing to measure seedbed moisture content to aid decision making. Controlled environment studies on emergence in different soils and moisture contents will support the field studies.