INNOVATION GRANTS

Since 2004 the significant investment of over $200,000, directed towards 24 regionally innovative irrigation-based projects, has resulted from Innovation Grants made available through the SE NRM Board's Irrigation Efficiency Project. Over the five year lifespan of the Innovation Grants program, financial incentives have been provided to regional irrigators to conduct pioneering trials and to address key areas for improvement in irrigation efficiency, in order to promote profitable irrigation practices and sustainable groundwater resource management.

The success of the grants program is illustrated by a recently completed trial in which trailing drip lines were compared with standard sprinklers on a centre pivot used in the production of White Clover seed. Positive outcomes from the trial included superior water use efficiency and significantly improved yields (and a corresponding reduction in cleanout percentage). With further investigation, the potential exists for this innovative method of White Clover seed production to become standard industry practice.

For more information contact Rob on 08 87246000 or email robert.palamountain@senrm.sa.gov.au