The success and benefits of a NESP-produced decision support tool have captured the attention of many growers in the Burdekin region, with growing demand from industry to see further adoption as a way to meet Reef2050 Water Quality improvements targets. In addressing concern that human-induced pollutants are leaving farming systems and negatively impacting the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem and associated wetlands, Tropical Water Quality Hub research employed “Internet of Things” technology to give existing farm irrigation tools and systems the ability to communicate in real-time. This greatly improves their efficiencies and reduces fertiliser runoff.
This project designed, tested and implemented a smarter irrigation system to apply the right amount of water at the right time in a practical and effortless way, also taking localised climate and soil-type into consideration.