A new generation of irrigation researchers is encouraged

How use of wastewater in irrigation will affect salt distribution in soils is among research interests of undergraduate students supported by National Program for Sustainable Irrigation this summer.

A total of $24,000 has been allocated to four scholarships, each valued at $6,000 and awarded to students completing the senior year of their university studies. The scholarships aim at generating knowledge for irrigated agriculture while encouraging young people to pursue research and development careers in irrigation.

The wastewater and salt distribution study will be undertaken by Flinders University of SA student Megan Sebben under the supervision of researchers from the South Australian Research and Development Institute. Another Flinders student, Claire Williams, will also have SARDI supervision when she looks at ground-truthing the predicted water demands of vines and almond trees.

Aerating irrigation water in figs is the interest of Michael Law at Central Queensland University, who will be supervised by university staff, while Liam Gooley at the University of NSW will study water and soil mapping across the Trangie and Warren regions.

The scholarships, offered annually, provide short periods of intensive work with research or extension leaders who can be from either the public or private sectors.
  

Citation

Land & Water Australia. 2010. A new generation of irrigation researchers is encouraged . [Online] (Updated January 21st, 2010)
Available at: http://lwa.gov.au/node/3724 [Accessed Saturday 13th of March 2010 12:00:44 PM ].