Improve efficiency of on-farm storages
Project details
| Objective: | To measure and monitor evaporation and seepage losses from up to 125 on-farm storages across the cotton industry and monitor the impact of amelioration works. |
| Funding: | Up to $995,600 plus GST from the Australian Government towards cost associated with supporting the work program. Total value of the project is $5,100,000 with $4,104,400 being contributed by irrigators and a consortium managed by the CRC for Cotton Catchment Communities. |
| Jurisdiction: | NSW |
| Commenced: | July 2008 |
| Completion: | 31 December 2011 |
Progress
About the project
The project will measure and monitor evaporation and seepage losses from at least 125 on-farm storages across the cotton/grains industry and cover a geographic area from Hillston in NSW to Emerald in Queensland. It will also monitor the impact of amelioration works of up to 60 water storages.
The project will develop best practice in management of on-farm storages, which will have relevance to a range of industries across Australia.
Evaporation and seepage from storages are recognised as serious issues for the irrigation sector and the project addresses the need for improved quantification of losses and adoption of cost effective amelioration strategies for on-farm storages.
The project will conduct field days, farm walks, workshops, and 65 case studies. These will include measurement, amelioration and farm water balance studies.
Project benefits
Long term objectives of the project include to:
- Enable the cotton industry to develop and promote best practice management of water storages
- Measure and monitor losses from all water storages on cotton farms with flow on to other industries
The project addresses a key area of water loss in irrigation. It will improve understanding of evaporation and seepage from on farm storages and provide quantification of those losses, as well as quantification of amelioration strategies.
The case studies will provide valuable information about mitigation strategies and the overall management of water held in on farm storages.
The project will advance the National Water Initiative objectives of increasing water use efficiency in Agriculture.
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