Estimation of evapotranspiration from rice in southern New South Wales: a review

1994 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1069 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Humphreys ◽  
WS Meyer ◽  
SA Prathapar ◽  
DJ Smith
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
New South ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Strong Dependence ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Radiant Energy ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
High Water ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
South Wales

This paper reviews field measurements of evapotranspiration from rice (ET rice) in the Murrumbidgee Valley of southern New South Wales. The results are compared with US Class A open pan evaporation (E pan) at CSIRO Griffith, and with reference evapotranspiration (ETo) calculated using a locally calibrated Penman equation. Both methods (+ETrice = +Epan or +ETrice = +ETo) give good estimates of total evapotranspiration from flooded rice over the ponded season of about 5 months, from October to February. Variation between seasons in total ETo, rainfall, and ETo minus rainfall is large. Over 32 years, total seasonal ETo varied by a factor of 1.5, while rainfall varied >10-fold. The irrigation water requirement for rice +(ETo - rainfall) varied from 685 mm in 1992-93 to 1350 mm in 1990-91. This large variation highlights the need to adjust the rice water use limit (16 ML/ha or 1600 mm) on a seasonal basis, to detect and eliminate high water use paddocks where percolation to the groundwater or surface runoff is excessive (>2 ML/ha). On average, an irrigation requirement of 10.5 ML/ha is needed to replace net evaporative loss +(ETo - rainfall) for rice flooded for 5 months, October-February. Monthly totals of ETo are compared for several locations within the rice-growing areas of southern New South Wales, and differences between locations are found to be small and not significant. This reflects the strong dependence of evaporation on radiant energy, which is unlikely to vary spatially to a significant extent across the region. ETo calculated from meteorological data collected at CSIRO Griffith therefore provides a definitive basis for estimating evapotranspiration from rice in southern New South Wales. Furthermore, CSIRO Griffith has a computerised meteorological data base going back to the 1930s. Current meteorological data and historical records are readily available by contacting the Metdata Manager. Therefore, the case is made for using CSIRO Griffith ETo as the reference for estimating evapotranspiration from rice in southern New South Wales. This study provides farmers, Land and Water Management Plan groups, and policy makers with a tool that can be used, on a yearly basis, to evaluate rice paddock water use efficiency. It should be adopted to confine rice growing to the least permeable soils.

Persistence and water use efficiency of a tropical grass and lucerne on a solodic soil on the Far North-West Slopes of New South Wales

1993 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
PG Tow
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
North West ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Summer Temperatures ◽  
Spring Temperatures ◽  
Use Efficiency

The persistence and water use efficiency of Digitaria eriantha spp. eriantha and Hunter river lucerne were compared on red solodic soil with a hardsetting surface and poor internal drainage, on the North- West Slopes of New South Wales. After prolonged watering, the profile was wet to a depth of 48 � 1.5 cm, with an available moisture store of 90 mm. Over 3 years, persistence of digitaria was excellent. The population of lucerne was reduced following flooding at summer temperatures, Dry matter production of nitrogen (N) fertilised digitaria per mm warm season rainfall was similar to that of tropical grasses adapted to comparable rainfall environments in subtropical Queensland. Lucerne dry matter per mm rainfall was only about half that of digitaria (3.2 v. 6.3 kg). Lucerne grew well in mixture with digitaria except under prolonged wet soil conditions in summer. Artificial solodic profiles were constructed in the glasshouse to compare digitaria and lucerne in monoculture and mixture under varying temperature, moisture, and N regimes. Lucerne showed sensitivity to both high and low moisture levels at summer temperatures but performed very well at spring temperatures and moderate moisture levels where the mean evapotranspiration ratio was 400 g water per g dry matter. Water use efficiency was higher in digitaria than in lucerne, except at spring temperatures without added N. Water use efficiency of the mixture was always similar to that of the most efficient monoculture of the particular treatment.

Current Land Use in the Poplar Box (Eucalyptus Populnea) Lands.

1980 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
EJ Weston ◽  
DF Thompson ◽  
BJ Scott
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
High Water ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Small Areas ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Domestic Livestock

Poplar box (Eucalyptus populnee) woodlands mainly occuron duplex, clay and red earth soils between the 300 mm and 750 mm rainfall isohyets. The poplar box lands have been occupied for from 100 to 150 years and have been modified extensively through tree felling, ringbarking, clearing, cultivation, burning and grazing by domestic livestock. The current land use is described for six vegetation groups which together comprise the poplar box lands. The eastern areas of the poplar box lands are mainly used for intensive agriculture based on wheat. barley and grain sorghum, with small areas sown to c~ops of high water demand. Mixed farming involves dairying (in Queensland) and fat lambs (in New South Wales) and broad-acre cereal and fodder cropping. Sheep and cattle grazing replace intensive crop production as the rainfall decreases. In all areas used for cropping the stability and fertility of the soil are of paramount importance in maintainihg production. The use of woodlands in areas of lower rainfall can lead to deterioration of the resource and to the encroachment of woody native species into the grazing lands. Because cropping is unreliable the opportunity to use cultivation to control woody regrowth is reduced. In central areas much of the land can be sown to improved pastures, but in western areas diversification is limited by the low rainfall and land use is restricted to grazing, initially only by sheep but now by sheep and cattle. Particularly in western New South Wales the increase in unpalatable shrubs and the decrease in available forage has resulted in low stocking rates, and high grazing pressure, making reclamation and pasture improvement difficult. In consequence many enterprises are becoming uneconomic.

Market Forces and Kangaroos: The New South Wales Kangaroo Management Plan

2006 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-304
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Mills
Keyword(s):  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Habitat Management ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Market Forces ◽  
Management Zones ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Economic Framework ◽  
South Wales

AbstractIn contemporary times, wildlife managers attempt to provide solutions to problems arising from conflicting uses of the environment by humans and nonhuman animals. Within the Kangaroo Management Zones of New South Wales (NSW), the commercial culling "solution" is one such attempt to perpetuate kangaroo populations on pastoral land while supporting farmers in continuing inefficient sheep farming. Because wildlife management rests on a distinction between the "nature" of humans and animals, then humanist attention to standards of individual welfare need not interrupt the process whereby individual animals are killed within an economic framework designed to improve habitat management for the conservation of their populations. Building on Thorne's (1998) discussion of the meanings scripted onto individual kangaroo bodies, this paper explores the utilitarian underpinnings of the commercialization approach and considers the ethical implications of constructing the population as resource, even if this results in an improvement in the welfare of individual kangaroos.

Water-use efficiency on irrigated dairy farms in northern Victoria and southern New South Wales

2000 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 643 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. P. Armstrong ◽  
J. E. Knee ◽  
P. T. Doyle ◽  
K. E. Pritchard ◽  
O. A. Gyles
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Large Range ◽  
New South ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
High Water ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Use Efficiency

A survey of 170 randomly selected, irrigated, dairy farms in northern Victoria and 9 in southern New South Wales was conducted to examine and benchmark the key factors influencing water-use efficiency. Water-use efficiency was defined as the amount of milk (kg milk fat plus protein) produced from pasture per megalitre of water (irrigation plus effective rainfall). Information on water-use, milk production, supplementary feeding, farm size and type, pasture management, and irrigation layout and management was collected for each farm by personal interview for the 1994–95 and 1995–96 seasons. The farms were ranked in the order of water-use efficiency with the average farm compared with the highest and lowest 10% of farms. The range in water-use efficiency was 25–115 kg milk fat plus protein/ML, with the highest 10% averaging 94 kg/ML and the lowest 10% averaging 35 kg/ML. The large range in water-use efficiency indicated potential for substantial improvement on many farms. The high water-use efficiency farms, when compared with the low group: (i) produced a similar amount of milk from less water (387 v. 572 ML) (P<0.05), less land (48 v. 83 ha) (P< 0.05) and a similar number of cows (152 v. 143 cows); (ii) had higher estimated pasture consumption per hectare (11.5 v. 5.5 t DM/ha) (P<0.01) and per megalitre (1.0 v. 0.5 t DM/ML) (P<0.01); (iii) had higher stocking rates (3.2 v. 1.8 cows/ha) (P<0.01); (iv) used higher rates of nitrogen fertiliser (59 v. 18 kg N/ha.year) (P<0.05) and tended to use more phosphorus fertiliser (64 v. 34 kg P/ha.year) (P<0.10); (v) used similar levels of supplementary feed (872 v. 729 kg concentrates/cow); (vi) had higher milk production per cow (396 v. 277 kg fat plus protein) (P<0.05); and (vii) directed a higher proportion of the estimated energy consumed by cows into milk production (53 v. 46%) (P<0.05). The survey data confirmed that irrigated dairy farm systems are complex and variable. For example, the amount of feed brought in from outside the milking area varied from 0 to 74% of the estimated total energy used by a milking herd. There was a large range in the level of supplement input amongst the farms in the high water-use efficiency group, and in the low water-use efficiency group. This indicates that the management of the farming system has a greater impact on the efficiency of water-use on irrigated dairy farms, than the type of system. The data from the survey provide information for individual farms, a measure of the water-use efficiency of the industry, and an indication of the quality of regional land and water resources.

scholarly journals Digital mapping of soil erodibility for water erosion in New South Wales, Australia

Soil Research ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xihua Yang ◽  
Jonathan Gray ◽  
Greg Chapman ◽  
Qinggaozi Zhu ◽  
Mitch Tulau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Soil Erodibility ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Australian Continent ◽  
K Factor

Soil erodibility represents the soil’s response to rainfall and run-off erosivity and is related to soil properties such as organic matter content, texture, structure, permeability and aggregate stability. Soil erodibility is an important factor in soil erosion modelling, such as the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), in which it is represented by the soil erodibility factor (K-factor). However, determination of soil erodibility at larger spatial scales is often problematic because of the lack of spatial data on soil properties and field measurements for model validation. Recently, a major national project has resulted in the release of digital soil maps (DSMs) for a wide range of key soil properties over the entire Australian continent at approximately 90-m spatial resolution. In the present study we used the DSMs and New South Wales (NSW) Soil and Land Information System to map and validate soil erodibility for soil depths up to 100 cm. We assessed eight empirical methods or existing maps on erodibility estimation and produced a harmonised high-resolution soil erodibility map for the entire state of NSW with improvements based on studies in NSW. The modelled erodibility values were compared with those from field measurements at soil plots for NSW soils and revealed good agreement. The erodibility map shows similar patterns as that of the parent material lithology classes, but no obvious trend with any single soil property. Most of the modelled erodibility values range from 0.02 to 0.07 t ha h ha–1 MJ–1 mm–1 with a mean (± s.d.) of 0.035 ± 0.007 t ha h ha–1 MJ–1 mm–1. The validated K-factor map was further used along with other RUSLE factors to assess soil loss across NSW for preventing and managing soil erosion.

Forecasting wheat yields using a water budgeting model

1989 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 715 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Cordery ◽  
AG Graham
Keyword(s):  
Water Balance ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
New South ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Balance Model ◽  
Soil Layers ◽  
South Wales

A model has been developed to forecast soil water variations and wheat crop growth in dry land situations. The forecast of the yield to be expected if sowing occurred today is obtained by running the calibrated model for all years for which meteorological data are available. The soil water content on today's date in each year is fixed at today's observed soil water value. From each year of observed meteorological data, an estimate is made of the yield. These yield data allow construction of a frequency distribution of yield which can be used to make a probabilistic forecast. The model involves two sub-models, a water balance model and acrop development model. The two sub-models interact to provide 5-day estimates of soil water content, actual evaporation and transpiration, runoff and increments to biomass and grain yield. The water balance model takes inputs of daily rainfall and estimated potential evapotranspiration. Available energy is partitioned between evaporation and transpiration depending on leaf area index. There are two soil layers plus a surface interception and depression store. Water removal from the soil layers is dependent on root development and the location of available water. Biomass production is driven by actual transpiration and transpiration efficiency and so biomass and grain development are dependent on the timing and amount of water and energy utilization by the crop. The model was first calibrated in northern New South Wales with 13 years of research station data. With minor recalibration, it provided good estimates of observed district wheat harvests for a continuous period of 75 years. Further recalibration with 30 years of shire data from Queensland, 29 years of single farm data in southern New South Wales and with 31 years of county data from northwestern USA., indicated the model is able to accurately reproduce observed yields and has the potential to provide reliable forecasts of yield, in a range of different climates.

A community-based survey of the koala Phascolarctos cinereus in the Lismore region of north-eastern New South Wales.

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Harris ◽  
RL Goldingay
Keyword(s):  
Road Traffic ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
South Wales ◽  
North Eastern

A community-based survey was undertaken in the Lismore Local Government Area (LGA) of north-eastern New South Wales to provide a basis for the development of a Shire-wide koala management plan. A questionnaire and maps were distributed to identify community attitudes towards P. cinereus conservation and management, as well as to document locations of sightings. There were 1121 surveys returned from 23,751 distributed (4.7% returned) across 18,000 ratepayers (6.2% response). Respondents indicated the frequency with which P. cinereus were seen in different suburbs, whether they had young or were sick, and provided 840 map-based records. Ten percent of respondents saw P. cinereus on at least a weekly basis, highlighting the importance of this LGA for the conservation of this species. More than 80% of respondents considered that roving dogs, land clearing, road traffic and housing development were serious threats to long-term P. cinereus survival. More than 90% of respondents supported restrictions on dogs, tree-planting programs, as well as planning activities to protect P. cinereus habitat while 85% approved of protection zones to control development within P. cinereus habitat. These results if representative of the entire community suggest strong support for the development of conservation options for P. cinereus. The study also confirms the usefulness of conducting such community-wide surveys for conspicuous threatened species.

Charophyte Occurrence, Seed Banks and Establishment in Farm Dams in New South Wales

1999 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle T. Casanova ◽  
Margaret A. Brock
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Water Clarity ◽  
High Water ◽  
Seed Banks ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Dissolved Phosphorus ◽  
South Wales ◽  
High Turbidity ◽  
Chara Australis

Farm dams are an important and common water resource in rural Australia. They provide relatively permanent surface water for stock and wildlife. They typically have high turbidity and high levels of disturbance by stock. The occurrence of charophytes in these water bodies was examined, as well as the conditions under which they germinated and established. Charophytes were found in 15% of 65 farm dams surveyed in two regions in New South Wales, Australia. However, charophytes germinated from 64.5% of farm dam seed banks sampled (n = 17). Species found were Chara australis R.Br., C. fibrosa Agardh ex Bruzelius, C. globularis Thuillier, C. muelleri A.Br., Nitella cristata A.Br. and N. tasmanica A.Br. Farm dams in which charophytes were found both in the survey and in the seed bank had lower turbidity, lower dissolved phosphorus levels and more extensive submerged plant communities than average. Charophytes established from the seed banks under experimentally induced water regimes when high water clarity was maintained and the disturbance of stock grazing was removed. Farm dams can support populations of perennial and annual charophyte species, and provide a habitat that is less available in naturally occurring shallow water bodies of the regions.

Socio-economic and biological impact of the feral pig in New South Wales: An overview and alternative management plan.

1987 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 96 ◽  
Author(s):  
PH O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Buffer Zone ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Multiple Use ◽  
Biological Impact ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Feral Pig

Feral pigs are widely distributed in Australia and have increased their range despite extensive control efforts. They pose a management dilemma because they are simultaneously an agricultural pest, endemic and exotic disease hazard, environmental liability, export commodity and recreational resource. These attributes and values vary with place, time and observer perceptions. In this paper, I briefly review the socio- economic and biological impact of the feral pig in New South Wales. An alternative multiple use management plan is presented, which minimizes costs and conflict by integrating the requirements for cost-effective control of agricultural damage and exotic disease with the commercial and recreational values of the feral pig. The proposal is based on: local ('buffer zone') control near susceptible enterprises; sustainable yield harvesting; regulated recreational hunting; and appropriate exotic disease contingency plans.

Growth, grain yield and water use of rice grown under restricted water supply in New South Wales

1984 ◽  
Vol 24 (124) ◽  
pp. 104 ◽  
Author(s):  
DP Heenan ◽  
JA Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Total Water ◽  
Leaf Stage ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Matter Production

Growth, grain yield and water use by Calrose rice grown under three flood irrigation regimes and four nitrogen fertilizer treatments were examined at Yanco Agricultural Research Centre, New South Wales, to determine the response of rice under a restricted supply of water. Growth under weekly irrigations before panicle initiation severely restricted dry matter production. When nitrogen (90 kg N/ha) was split with 45 kg N/ha at the three-leaf stage and 45 kg N/ha at panicle initiation followed by permanent flood at panicle initiation, yield was 8.67 t/ha. This was equivalent to yields obtained from conventional practice where all fertilizer was applied at the three-leaf stage followed immediately by permanent flood. Delaying permanent flood until panicle initiation resulted in approximately 23% saving in total water use. Weekly irrigation throughout the season produced low vegetative growth and grain yields.

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