Water

A changing climate and increased competition for scarce water resources means the Western Australian agriculture sector must adapt to reduced water availability. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is supporting the sector through innovative research and management strategies to identify new water resources, and sustain the quality and efficient use of available water resources.

The department provides technical information on a range of water related issues, and works to complement the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's administration of the Western Australian Farm Water Planning Scheme. This scheme supports dryland farming communities to improve and better manage non-potable water supplies, through incentive schemes, grants, and planning and technical services.

Articles

  • To make sound decisions on managing saline sites, you need to know the source of salt, how salinisation is occurring, the landscape context, and most importantly, the actual salt concentration of t

  • Plant available water (PAW) is a key determinant of potential yield in dryland agriculture.

  • Water quality can influence the efficacy of chemicals used in spraying crops and pastures.

  • IrrigateWA is an irrigation app that will assist with the implementation of correct irrigation scheduling for a variety of crops, regions and soil types in Western Australia.