CQU Plant Sciences Group (PSG) is pioneering research on agricultural water management and irrigation.

PSG has been able to establish itself as a leading centre in the world for oxygation research.

A large number of research publications and on-going controlled environmental experiments and field research are the proof of CQU strength on innovation in irrigation research.

This innovation helps encourage external agencies to develop active contact and potential collaborations for future work.

Growcom Land and Water Regional Network Coordinator Ms Margie Milgate and Industry Development Officer (IDO) Water for Profit Marcus McCormick visited PSG on August 9 to familiarise themselves with the on-going PSG research on water management and irrigation in horticultural crops and to discuss future collaboration. (Growcom is the peak representative body for the fruit and vegetable growing industry in Queensland).

CQU PSG postdoctoral research fellow Surya P. Bhattarai and PhD scholar Manouchehr Torabi presented PSG research on agricultural water management, including that of oxygation.

The visitors also observed all ongoing research activities, both in controlled environments and in a field experiment at Alton Downs.

The current field research on oxygation at Alton Downs involves an industry partnership.

A large plot of Japanese pumpkin has been grown with and without aeration at different drip depths in a heavy clay soil.

The visitors were impressed with the quality and magnitude of the agricultural water research work, including the work on oxygation that PSG is currently undertaking. They have realised there is prominent scope for joint project submission for funding and work to enable collaborative research and development in the future.

Photo (above): Experimental plot for oxygation research at Alton Downs.

Photo (below): CQU PSG postdoctoral research fellow Surya P. Bhattarai.