Ground Water Monitoring with Russell Jorden
A piezometer is a small-diameter observation well used to measure the hydraulic head of groundwater in aquifers. Russell Jorden has several of these on his Burdekin property. They have data loggers to track fluctuations in ground water levels over time. He also takes water samples which he tests for salinity. Rising water tables are a concern in the Burdekin and Russell monitors his irrigation to reduce losses to improve his furrow irrigation efficiency.
Posted by Henry Thomas, 3 years ago on Thursday, December 18, 2008[ , Read more... ]
Water Quality Testing Lab with Sonia Hesp
Sonia Hesp shows us the Palintest she uses in her water quality testing lab to test farmer water samples for nitrates and phosphate in their runoff. Over 10% of farmers in the Burdekin district test their runoff for nutrient losses on a regular basis.
Posted by Henry Thomas, 3 years ago on Thursday, December 18, 2008[ , Read more... ]
Water Sampling Trailer with Chris Hesp
Chris Hesp presents the Mulgrave Area Farm Integrated Action (MAFIA) groups water sampling trailer. The trailer enables growers to monitor runoff from their blocks when irrigating to assess the nitrate and phosphate content of the runoff. All run-off water on Chris' farm is collected in recycle pits and re-used on the farm. The trailer is fitted with a solar power ISCO Avalanche refrigerated pumping sampler. Being mobile, the unit can easily be moved to any site within the MAFIA grower group area. It was used to monitor runoff from a dunder application trial which showed that more nutrients were present in the final draining than in the first flush.
Posted by Henry Thomas, 3 years ago on Thursday, December 18, 2008[ , Read more... ]
Water Quality Monitoring with Denis and Brian
As part of the BBIFMAC WQ Pixel project, Denis Pozzebon and Brian Strathdee sample the quality of the water in their recycle pits. They look at electrical conductivity (a test for salinity), nitrates, phosphate and turbidity (a test for suspended particles in the water such as soil). Denis uses the results of his water tests to help manage his nutrient and fertilizer applications.
Posted by Henry Thomas, 3 years ago on Thursday, September 18, 2008[ , Read more... ]
WQ Test Kit with Adam Connell
Adam Connell (Project Manager, BBIFMAC) is the project manager for the Water Quality Pixel Project. Over 60 growers participate in the project in the Burdekin district. The monitor the nutrients entering and leaving their farms and adjust their nutrient management accordingly to improve the water quality of the water entering the local creeks, rivers and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Each grower is provided with a Test Kit. It contains tests for nitrate, phosphate, electrical conductivity and optionally turbidity. Growers also take water samples that are sent of to a local lab for more accurate testing.
Posted by Henry Thomas, 3 years ago on Wednesday, September 17, 2008[ , Read more... ]
