The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has updated an online map of its field and laboratory research in time for National Science Week.
The interactive map details 351 research experiments under way in 2022, from as far north as Kununurra to east of Esperance.
Field Research Services Manager at the DPIRD, Ian Pritchard said trials were a fundamental part of applying science in the field to determine what would deliver the biggest impact for growers in the grains industry.
“Now in its fifth year, this map is a valuable resource for growers, consultants and the public to find out what is happening on the ground to improve productivity and profitability,” Mr Pritchard (pictured) said.
“Research is becoming increasingly complex and the DPIRD had invested significantly in improving its research and development infrastructure,” he said.
He said the research was moving away from agronomic and variety trials, which were now being done by external providers.
“Our research is becoming more complicated, incorporating factors such as soil amelioration, real-time temperature sensors, various depths of sowing, irrigation, crop flowering timing — all as we try to chase down those next production gains for growers and the industry,” Mr Pritchard said.
He said the latest map allowed users to click on an icon dotted on a satellite map to find the research project and trial aim, as well as the lead scientist.
The icons show whether the project falls under the area of crop protection, crop science and grain production, soil science and crop nutrition, or genetic improvement.
The trials that are shown include the Department’s collaborative research with external parties such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and the University of Western Australia.
The interactive map can be accessed on the DPIRD website at this PS News link.
