Murdoch University and the Bioplastics Innovation Hub ran demonstrations at three spring field days for their Hub-supported project SMART SPRAYS – maximising the benefits from rainfall. The project is trialling innovative biopolymer technologies designed to improve water use efficiency in wheat production systems.
The demonstrations drew strong interest from growers, researchers, and industry representatives, who came along to see the biodegradable polymer sprays in action. The trials highlighted how these materials can capture and retain water, potentially reducing evaporation losses and redirecting rainfall to where crops need it most. The demonstrations sparked plenty of discussion about the practicalities of applying these products at scale, their potential role in farming systems, and the benefits of building resilience into wheat production.
Across the program, three sites showcased different applications:
- Yuna and Merredin: biopolymer hydrogels applied in-furrow to improve soil water retention.
- Esperance: biodegradable polymer sprays applied to soil mounds to reduce evaporation and improve water delivery to the furrow.
In Western Australia, broadacre crops average just 56% water use efficiency, underscoring the scale of opportunity to increase productivity. SMART SPRAYS aims to help growers boost yields and profitability while adapting to a drying and increasingly variable climate.
This project is supported by the SW WA Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, Murdoch University and the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration.
