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

Water quality for spraying

12 June 2014

Water quality can influence the efficacy of chemicals used in spraying crops and pastures.
Land capability assessment

29 November 2013

Land capability assessment is used to identify the potential for agricultural and non-agricultural land uses. It considers specific requirements of the land use and also identifies potenti
Water for Food

12 February 2016

Water for Food is a state government initiative funded through the Royalties for Regions program.
Waterwise irrigation - big benefits for small properties

7 November 2013

Don’t send water and fertiliser dollars down the drain. When it comes to irrigation systems, one size does not fit all.
IrrigateWA

16 October 2015

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.
Stormwater reuse project

28 November 2013

The Stormwater Management, Harvesting and Reuse Efficiency Project (Stormwater reuse project) was focused on stormwater harvesting and reuse for social, economic and environmental benefits in Weste
Mid West potatoes: irrigation, salinity and harvest management

7 November 2013

Optimum irrigation with good quality water is needed to maximise yields of potatoes. Poor irrigation can lower yield, distort tubers and encourage development of some diseases.
Using dye to show water movement below drip irrigation

14 November 2013

Water movement patterns on the soil surface may not be a good guide to what is happening below the surface and can lead to inefficient irrigation.
Pump selection for irrigated agriculture

15 December 2015

Selecting the correct pump for an irrigation system will not only result in better crop production, but save money on running costs over its life. A poor pump choice may result in damage to the sy
Scheduling irrigation of potatoes using tensiometers on South West soils

8 April 2014

Matching water supply in the soil to crop demand using good irrigation practice is important to produce a high quality potato crop.