Drought

System-wide approach needed for drought resilient irrigation

A new CSIRO study provides a deeper understanding of how Australian irrigators have adapted and responded to drought.

Future-proofing wheat for hotter, drier climates

CSIRO scientists have identified new genetics that enable wheat varieties to tap into moisture up to two times deeper in the soil than current varieties.

The eyes don’t have it: Machine vision to improve cotton breeding

It might surprise you that the precise scientific field of cotton breeding also involves a high degree of visual estimation. Can artificial intelligence and machine learning take its place?

Shoring up Norfolk Island’s water supply

On Norfolk Island, conserving water has been a way of life for generations. But when the island faced a water emergency in 2019-20, it became clear the natural water balance was changing. A detailed study of the island’s water resources is revealing what’s behind the change and how the island might strengthen its future water resilience.

Counting every drop: Measuring evaporation in dams

Australia is one of the sunniest places on the planet. That means we lose large volumes of water from our reservoirs through evaporation. Our scientists have created a way to measure evaporation rates with expert precision, helping to better manage water resources.

Precision crop stubble grazing to benefit farmers in vulnerable times

The nutritional value of crop stubble for grazing sheep has been reassessed for the first time in 25 years. A new tool will also help farmers review their practices to get the most benefit.

Time to beef up agrifood supply chains

COVID-19 has exposed vulnerabilities in our global food systems, which have become designed around “just-in-time” principles to maximise efficiency. As we start to look at what life will be like after this pandemic, can we reconfigure our supply chains around resilience and sustainability to guard against the impact of future shocks?

Livestock producers weigh drought recovery options

With droughts predicted to increase in frequency and duration, the time of recovery is when livestock producers need to prepare for future droughts.

How community level transition planning is critical for recovery and resilience in drought affected regions

Regional communities can make necessary changes in response to droughts and other related challenges including the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic using a transition planning approach that builds their resilience and sustainability into the future.