SIP2 - Smarter irrigation in rice growing systems - John Hornbuckle

As the Australian rice industry moves to implement 'Dry Rice' strategies that aim to minimise ponded water time and reduce irrigation water applied to rice crops, precision water management will become critical. This investment aims to develop automated sensing and control for reduced water input rice farming systems to ensure that yields are maximised in a 'Dry Rice' system. The project will develop linked systems capable of sensing soil, water and crop stress; together with weather forecasts; and automated Internet of Things (IoT) irrigation control structures to generate efficiencies in water use and labour while maximising yield.