December 12, 2025
Grain growers in medium and high rainfall zones will gain new tools to tackle waterlogging, runoff and evaporation thanks to a major new national project led by Pinion Advisory.
Excessive water runoff and drainage can lead to erosion and the loss of vital nutrients in crops.
Waterlogging can also suffocate plant roots, reduce oxygen availability and increase the risk of disease.
The 5.5-year $6.5 million project, financed by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, aims to deliver practical, regionally relevant solutions to help growers manage excess water, improve paddock trafficability and boost crop yields.
Pinion Advisory’s Jo Jones said the project team would work with growers and drainage providers to establish new trial sites across the northern, western and southern grain production regions.
She said Wondai-based senior engineer David Mohr had been helping with information about potential Queensland sites for trials.
“Once established, the project will collect data on the effect of drainage on crops and the environment and the related costs and benefits,” Ms Jones said.
“We aim to develop new guidelines, case studies and decision support tools to help growers make evidence-based decisions about drainage and land-forming.”
Large-scale research trials and demonstration sites will be implemented where waterlogged soils present challenges.
The impact of drainage across several seasons will be investigated in different cropping systems to identify the benefits and challenges of different drainage options.
The project will also review Commonwealth, State and local government legislation to help growers understand the legalities of implementing drainage and land-forming solutions.
