SEQ-IF IDO - latest projects:
Project one:
KMSI Toolbox... Knowledge Management Systems for Irrigation
KMSI is the Knowledge Management System for Irrigation, developed by the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture (NCEA) with funds provided by the Queensland Government as part of the South East Queensland Irrigation Futures (SEQ-IF) program. There are a number of tools (with many under development) soon to be available in an On-line tool box for growers to use - visit: http://www.kmsi.ncea.biz to take a sneak peak.
Project two:
NDVI - Crop growth & Yield monitoring trials...
After viewing the picture above, ask yourself these questions:
- How much turf actually goes out the farm gate each time you cut for sale?
- How much turf is left in the field due to low quality turf thatch, growth, ground cover etc each time you cut?
- How much of this turf left in the field is not contributing to YOUR PROFIT?
With the assistance from the NCEA's Research And Development Support (RADS) team in Toowoomba, turf growth and monitoring is becoming more accurate through on-farm trials currently underway by the IDO. With the Normalised Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) ground-rig device (see picture above), images taken from the 4 Near InfraRed (NIR) cameras show a reading in relation to the crop growth in the field. These readings from the ground rig device are plotted and recorded every 2 weeks during the growth cycle usually from 0% to 100% canopy.
Measuring Crop Growth & Health
- Ground based optical sensors on 4 cameras have ‘Near-InfraRed’ (NIR) lights sources.
- NDVI is common measurement of plant health / crop vigour since chlorophyll in plants absorbs red light as its energy source.
- ...i.e: healthier plants absorb more NIR and show higher NDVI figures.
- Helps producers & agronomists map plant health...also shows a visual of an irrigation system on-farm efficiency.
- The plotted information from the field is inputted into graph format for visual representation - the black dots represent the sprinklers in this particular Solid Set irrigation set-up (see picture below).
Turf Queensland Producer Irrigation Efficiency Scheme:
Turf Queensland is offering an irrigation efficiency incentive scheme for turf producers in South East Queensland. The scheme is amed at improving irrigation equipment which will result in efficiencies of water use on their farms. For further information and to apply click on the links below:
The SEQ-IF IDO has many projects currently underway. For more information, please contact the Turf Queenland IDO:
Dan Corfe
Industry Development Officer (IDO)
Mobile: 0419 756 654
26-40 Delancey Street,
Cleveland.
Qld 4163
Tel: (07) 3488 0917
Fax: (07) 3488 0918
Email: ido@qtpa.com.au
Web: www.qtpa.com.au