Soil moisture monitoring field day demonstrates broad potential for on-farm technology

VegNET Gippsland hosted a soil moisture monitoring field day in late November, highlighting the advantages of using technology to inform farm practices and improve growers’ understanding of the interaction between plant, water and soil.

The event, which strongly aligned with VegNET Gippsland’s water quality and security and smarter growing focus areas, demonstrated the benefits of using soil data monitoring technology and its potential application beyond increasing irrigation and water use efficiencies.

Delivered through Food & Fibre Gippsland’s ongoing funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, the field day was a collaboration between VegNET Gippsland, Elders Bairnsdale, Agriculture Victoria, Sentek Technologies, and local Gippsland growers.

There were three key components to the event, consisting of a technical presentation; networking lunch; and field demonstration – all of which focused on providing the 25 attendees with the opportunity to learn about the practicalities of adopting soil data monitoring technology in intensive vegetable production.

Attendees heard from agronomists and growers who have been using the probes on local vegetable farms, while the opportunity also promoted learning about the practical integration of soil data monitoring probes into day-to-day farming operations. Growers were provided with an overview of the information that can be obtained from the probes, the importance of correct installation, and how to interpret the data to inform decision-making.

Responses to the post-event feedback questionnaire indicated the majority of growers who attended would likely change farm practices or advice as a result of what they had learned on the day. Additionally, attendees suggested there was a 70% increase in knowledge and skills associated with soil data monitoring technology. 

For a more details on the use of soil data monitoring technology, click here to read a case study entitled The practicalities of soil data monitoring in intensive vegetable production, written by VegNET Regional Development Officer Emily Scott.

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