Vineyards for 2025 – Improved industry returns from soil and water research – communication and adoption of research outcomes

Abstract

The potential adoptable outcomes from the projects within the soil and water initiative were identified via interview with scientists and assessment of project reports. The available materials which could be used to form the basis of extension material were collected and for each project the major potentially adoptable research outcomes were documented. In some instances outcomes were suitable for immediate adoption or already in use by industry (for example the dripper distribution uniformity tool). In many other instances the findings additional research or development may be required prior to extension.

Summary

The potential adoptable outcomes from the completed projects within the soil and water initiative were identified via interview with scientists and assessment of project reports.  The available materials which could be used to form the basis of extension material were collected and for each project the major potentially adoptable research outcomes were documented.  In some instances outcomes had a high level of utility and were suitable for adoption or were already in use by industry (for example the dripper distribution uniformity tool).  In many other instances the findings additional research or development may be required prior to extension.  It is recommended that extension material includes the review of past related projects and literature.

The adoptable outcomes were grouped into 4 categories;

• Novel irrigation scheduling techniques and indicators of plant water status
• Increasing soil water availability/resource utilisation
• Rootzone, soil health and cover crop management
• Cultivar/rootstock specific irrigation management

It is recommended that for each adoptable outcome extension material is developed for dissemination by the innovators network and educational institutions.  Furthermore, it is recognised that there are considerable resources of information from related studies (in Australia and elsewhere) in the literature and previous studies that relates to outcomes identified in this project.  As such, it is also recommended that extension materials include reviews of the literature and where appropriate these reviews identify areas of potential further research.