Ongoing project
Evaluating on farm water and nutrient recapture in Western Australia (AS23009)
Delivery Partner: Western Australian Agriculture Authority (WAAA)
This project is developing a cost-effective system to capture leached nutrients and irrigation water from below the crop root zone and recycle them back onto crops. The system will improve water and nutrient use efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and lead to an increase in profitability for growers in Western Australia (WA).
Challenge
Most vegetable, berry, citrus and olive production in WA occurs on sandy soils which have a poor capacity to retain water and nutrients. Typically, over 60 per cent of irrigation water and fertiliser applied to vegetable properties on the sandy souls of the Swan Coastal Plain of Western Australia is leached past the rootzone. Nitrogen fertiliser, a significant cost for horticultural producers, is often lost through leaching and runoff. When this occurs, nitrogen fertiliser can contribute to eutrophication in waterways and wetlands, and coral reef degradation. Water restrictions are also making production challenging for WA growers. For example, in the Wanneroo area, water allocations are being reduced by 10 per cent in 2028, and further reductions are expected in other groundwater areas. Growers must improve water efficiency or be forced to reduce their planting area to adapt.
Response
This project is investigating the use of geomembranes —synthetic, impermeable liners installed beneath the rootzone of crops— to collect leachate and divert it into dams for reuse. Key aspects under investigation include:
A demonstration site will be established on a commercial property to extend the approach to industry and demonstrate commercial scale implementation. Growers will also be informed of research findings through field days, presentations, videos, and other communications materials.
Benefit
This project has the potential to revolutionise water and nutrient management for WA growers, promoting both profitability and environmental stewardship.
This project is funded through Hort Innovation's Frontiers program
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