July 2006 issue - Science and Research Updates

CLIMATE CHANGE | Beef industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
The Australian beef herd is on track to produce about 3% or half a million tonnes less methane over the next 25 years, according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/july-2006/beef-industry-save-greenhouse-gas

MINERAL EXPLORATION | Petroleum potential surveyed near Griffith
A new $255 000 seismic survey is now underway near Griffith to help evaluate the petroleum potential of the area.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/july-2006/exploration-survey-petroleum-deposits

PLANT PROTECTION | Wheat streak mosaic virus under scrutiny
Recent rain has allowed crucial research into the potentially devastating wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) to go ahead.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/july-2006/wsmv-under-scrutiny

GENERAL | New research facilities for Narrabri
The NSW Government has announced $500 000 for future upgrades at the Australian Cotton Research Institute.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/july-2006/$500000-upgrades-narrabri

STANDARDS | Plant biosecurity - taking the lead
The expertise of NSW Department of Primary Industries researchers in fruit fly and fungal diagnostics has been recognised here and overseas.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/july-2006/plant-biosecurity-taking-lead

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES | Salinity research is challenging old theories
The ongoing eight Key Sites salinity research project is delivering results that contradict conventional thinking when it comes to effective salinity management in NSW.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/july-2006/salinity-research-theories

CLIMATE AND WEATHER | Betting on Rain - Managing seasonal risk
A new guide designed to help farmers in western NSW manage seasonal risks and develop a better understanding of weather patterns is now available.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/july-2006/betting-on-rain

PASTURES | Pepping up pasture production with native grass
A quest to pep up the potential of native grass as a valuable pasture has taken a Central West researcher across NSW, to Canberra and Perth and now back to Trangie.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/july-2006/pepping-pasture-production

CLIMATE CHANGE | Less land clearing, emission target met
Reduced land clearing by farmers is the only reason Australia is able to meet its greenhouse gas emissions targets, according to Co-operative Research Centre for Greenhouse Accounting CEO, Dr Michael Robinson.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/july-2006/less-land-clearing

PLANT IMPROVEMENT | Tamworth durum wheat research praised
Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald has praised the work of wheat researchers at the Tamworth Agriculture Institute for efforts that have helped make Australian pasta some of the world's best.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/july-2006/durum-researchers-successes

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING | Clever device for sampling water quailty
A simple device able to accurately take water samples from creeks and rivers after rain has been recognised as making a significant contribution to salinity research in Australia.
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/updates/issues/july-2006/clever-device-sampling-water