NSW DPI undertakes research to mitigate against climate change (e.g. through carbon sequestration and reduced emissions) and to develop strategies to adapt to elevated atmospheric CO₂, climate change and climate variability.

This Unit has two key research focuses:

• The Climate Science team coordinates climate-based research across NSW DPI. It quantifies the biophysical and socio-economic impact of climate change and climate variability on NSW regions and primary industries, and coordinates the development of strategies and tools to help primary producers to manage those impacts.
• The Irrigation Research team is responsible for developing sustainable production systems for irrigated agriculture. Staff undertake research to improve the effectiveness of water used in irrigated agricultural systems through: assessing soil constraints and suitability for irrigation (for example, by using electromagnetic induction technology); measuring the water balance under cropping systems and regional and on-farm irrigation supply and drainage systems; evaluating the impact of using saline and sodic water; and monitoring water tables at a farm and district scale. Integrated hydrological and economic models are also developed to improve on-farm decisions about when and how much to irrigate and to assist with the evaluation of water management policy options.

Key research infrastructure

Research is undertaken at NSW DPI facilities at Yanco, Dubbo and Orange with a range of additional field sites across NSW.

Key research collaborations

Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Irrigation Futures; ACIAR; Catchment Management Authorities; R&D (research and development) Corporations; CSIRO; universities; Bureau of Meteorology; Murray–Darling Basin Commission; State agencies in NSW and Queensland; producer groups; Australian Greenhouse Office; and NSW Greenhouse Office.

Scientists

Find a list of Climate Science and Irrigation Research scientists.

Contact

Staff profile