Researchers working on advanced moisture sensors, heat pump technology, and soil health management will be showcasing their latest projects and innovations at this week's Mildura Field Days, taking place on May 16–17. The Mallee Regional Innovation Centre will host a tent at the event, featuring interactive demonstrations of technology used to protect native fish species, as well as information about projects addressing regional challenges across horticulture, water, energy, and the environment. Industry experts will also be available to engage with attendees.
Rebecca Wells, CEO of the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre, highlighted the Centre's commitment to fostering industry connections. "We've gone big for our second year at Mildura Field Days, which coincides with the Centre's sixth birthday," Wells said. She emphasized the Centre's focus on gathering input from industry and the community during the early stages of project design while also sharing the outcomes of completed research. "As the Centre's research and project activities continue to grow, we are keen to get input from industry and community early in the project design, but we also want to make sure we close the loop by sharing the results and outputs of the work undertaken," she explained.
Wells noted that the event provides a rare opportunity for growers and others in horticulture to connect directly with researchers. "It isn't often that people get to see first-hand what researchers are working on," she said. This year, top academics from the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University, along with researchers and team members from Victoria Drought and Innovation Hub projects, early career researchers from the One Basin CRC, and experts from other partner organizations, will be available to showcase their work.
Among the highlights at the Centre's tent will be a demonstration of the new AquaTerra advanced moisture sensor, developed by Professor Guillermo Narsilio and Dr. Amir Orangi from the University of Melbourne. This sensor can provide insights up to two meters deep from a simple 10-centimeter installation. Additionally, Professor Narsilio will present groundbreaking research on underground heat pump coil technology, which offers heating and cooling at significantly lower operational costs and carbon emissions.
Dr. Jen Wood from La Trobe University will provide insights into soil microbiology and molecular techniques used in soil health research, along with information about La Trobe's broader agricultural research capabilities. Dr. Natalie Araújo, also from La Trobe University, will share findings on irrigation decision-making in the Mallee and discuss ways to communicate information about irrigation support technologies for an upcoming project.
In addition, the event will feature fish screening technology designed to protect native species, provided by AWMA Water Control Solutions. One Basin CRC Mildura Hub researchers and staff will be available to discuss their work on addressing water issues, while the Victoria Drought and Innovation Hub will present information on drought resilience initiatives.
For more information:
Alina Saeed
Mallee Regional Innovation Centre
Tel: +61 (0) 403 859 787
Email: [email protected]
www.eng.unimelb.edu.au