Moisture Knowledge Network
Monitoring and understanding soil moisture to improve management decisions.
FarmLink Research, with the assistance of Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Community Partnerships Program and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry National Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative have installed a network of paired soil moisture capacitance probes and automatic rainfall gauges throughout the region which upload live data to FarmLink's Member area of the website. This project is also in collaboration with Lockhart Agricultural Bureau and the Harden Murrumburrah, Mirrool Creek and Junee Reefs Landcare Groups.
Project Aim: To establish a network of remote logging soil moisture probes across the FarmLink region and Murrumbidgee catchment. To use generated data to measure and guide management decisions.
Method: Sixteen pairs of remote logging soil capacitance probes were installed, providing a geographical spread on a range of soil types across the FarmLink region. Each probe within a pair is installed in a different management zone within the same soil type (maximum 100 metres apart). Examples of management zones include different crops, stubble treatments, sowing implements, slopes, and soil amelioration treatments (lime and/or gypsum).
Project funded by: Murrumbidgee CMA, DAFF, FarmLink Research Limited.