Research will help on farms
KNOWLEDGE and technology in agricultural fields are advancing rapidly – delivering many insights and devices that help improve yields, sustainability and efficiency.
A new report from the University of Western Australia’s Institute of Agriculture covers the past year’s research conducted through the world-renowned facility.
Designed for both the scientific community and agriculture industry readers, the Annual Research Report 2017 is the eleventh annual research report since the Institute was re-established in 2007, and provides an overview of UWA’s agricultural research, education and training in a regional, national and international context.
The report covers the variety of collaborative, multi-disciplinary and cross-faculty research activities that are being carried out across six key research themes – Crops, Roots and Rhizosphere; Sustainable Grazing Systems; Water for Food Production; Food Quality and Human Health; Agribusiness Ecosystems; and Engineering Innovations for Food Production. The sixth research theme, Engineering Innovations for Food Production was established in early 2017 and is co-led by Dr Andrew Guzzomi and Professor Dilusha Silva from the Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences and Institute of Agriculture.
Institute director Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique said the new research theme focussed on providing engineering solutions to agriculture for sustainable growth of net farm-yield, reduction of wastage, and minimisation of environmental impact.
“A recognisable and identifiable agricultural engineering theme presents extensive opportunities for collaboration between farmers and agricultural machinery manufacturers with UWA in order to undertake research and development focused on bringing about commercial innovation,” Professor Siddique said.
Other research areas have included strategies to map and manage frost risk at farm scale, chickpeas hosphorus mining capabilities and more.
You can download an electronic copy at www.ioa.uwa.edu.au