Growers’ skills and knowledge development of advanced digital irrigation telemetry monitoring technologies.

Sunraysia Citrus Growers Incorporated

  • Project code: PRO-015314

  • Project stage: Closed

  • Project start date: Sunday, May 30, 2021

  • Project completion date: Monday, May 30, 2022

  • National Priority: AFI - AgriFood Innovation

Summary

Various digital telemetry soil moisture in monitoring devices are commercially available.These devices can deliver great management benefits in time-saving (digital instead of manual), productivity improvements (more yield and fewer water costs) and environmental outcomes (less water wastage). Some growers purchase these devices, but due to a lack of skills and reliable and independent support, growers do not adequately understand the use and interpretation of the devices. Sometimes the advice from commercial systems is more sales-driven rather than science-driven. This results in devices not properly utilised(incorrect interpretation) or abandoned. Some growers do not adopt the technolog ybecause they are overwhelmed with options that they do not understand. There are also no opportunities to gain skills and knowledge in the proper installation, use and interpretation of the devices. Current information or workshops only deal with the basics of irrigation scheduling; they do not address advanced digital telemetry skills. The project will raise grower’s personnel skills and knowledge of digital irrigation soil moisture monitoring technologies. The workshops will reduce the complexity of digital soil moisture telemetry technologies and improve engagement with digital solutions and decision-making through practical and technical workshops for multiple systems devices.

Program

AgriFood Innovation

Research Organisation

Sunraysia Citrus Growers Incorporated