Evaluating novel approaches for drought resilience through capitalising on an established network of long-term trials
Project Funder: SoilCRC/Australian Government Future Drought Fund
Project Lead Organisation/Researcher: Murdoch University, Dr. Richard Bell
Project Durations: 2024-2028
Location: Condobolin
Aim
The project aim is to assess soil water content in response to a range of treatments across all trial sites and to compare novel management practices with conventional approaches to substantiate any claims of potential impact. It also seeks to extrapolate the knowledge gained from these long-term trials to diverse locations using crop simulation and scenario modelling, allowing exploration of system responses and long-term benefits that extend beyond the trial period and under climate conditions that may not be experienced during the field trials.
Background
Building resilience in farming systems and soils to endure and recover from more frequent and extreme weather events is essential for the financial viability and sustainability of Australian agriculture, as well as the vitality of rural communities. Many regions across Australia, including the Central West, face increasing variability in rainfall patterns and temperature extremes, leading to heightened drought risk. Long-term trials offer a valuable foundation for understanding how management practices influence soil water storage, crop productivity, and economic outcomes under changing conditions.
This project builds on an established network of long-term trial sites across Australia to evaluate and compare innovative and conventional management practices. By combining field measurements with advanced modelling tools such as APSIM, the research will explore systems responses beyond the scope of the trial period, including under climate scenarios that may not be experienced during the field trials.
Long-term objective
To improve drought resilience in Australian agriculture by trialling and modelling key technologies and practices that enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability during drought periods and support faster recovery following drought. The project focuses on vulnerable farming systems, including dryland cropping, grazing, and mixed farming systems, in the western, southern, and eastern regions of Australia.
Partnership
This project is a partnership between Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Future Drought Fund, Soil CRC, Murdoch University, Southern Cross University, University of Newcastle, University of Southern Queensland, University of Tasmania
