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.
Glenn McDonald, University of Adelaide
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.
$83,500
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).
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.
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.