Irrigated crops such as grapes, citrus and vegetables in WA’s South-West agricultural region are worth $900 million to the economy but are vulnerable to climate change.
Demonstration sites are showcasing the potential of a novel, semi-commercialised Sprayable Biodegradable Polymer Membrane (SBPM) developed by CSIRO to help address these challenges.
DPIRD is leading the project after successfully applying for an innovation project grant offered through the SW WA Hub, via funding from the Future Drought Fund.
SBPM applied as a ground cover has the potential to improve water efficiency, influence soil temperature and moisture retention and weed control while contributing to overall soil health.
Harvesting is underway at table grape demonstration sites in the Swan Valley and wine grape sites in the Margaret River and Frankland River regions.
DPIRD staff are collecting final crop data to incorporate with the other measurements taken during the growing season so that they can understand the full impacts of the biodegradable mulch.
Other horticultural demonstration sites are being established as part of the project including tomato and pumpkin sites in Carnarvon.
The short-term project is one of 10 diverse innovation projects that have commenced in WA after grants were awarded in 2022 by the SW WA Hub.
The grants were made possible by $2.5 million provided by the Australian Government to the SW WA, enabling it to expand its remit to include agricultural innovation.
