Using hyperspectral imaging – a tried and tested process – to better understand water-use requirements and aid irrigation decision-making across various horticultural industries in the Murray Mallee and Riverland, particularly in drought conditions.
Project description:
While the application of hyperspectral imagery solutions to inform irrigation water management is not new technology the public extension and adoption of the potential benefits has been deficient. A number of the previous spectral imagery studies have been completed retrospectively rather than as a tool to assist with in crop-decision making which this project is proposing to undertake. The technology has also continued to evolve and now provides products than can generate 7-day forecasts of crop water requirements based on in season and near to real time imagery capture.
This project will see the extension of CERES mapping services to irrigation based land managers, increasing the awareness of this tool and how it benefits decision making regarding irrigation optimisation.
Communication and extension efforts will include two case studies- one focused on perennial horticulture and the other on annual horticulture (potatoes). A Mallee AgTech Field Day will be held, with opportunities to collaborate with other regional events where practical. A presentation will be delivered to the Mallee Water Community Advisory Committee, and a podcast will be produced by AgCommunicators.
Key achievements and results:
2025 project update
The project has been well received by participants, with strong engagement across both on-ground activities and broader industry networks. Early in 2025, two on-farm visits were conducted at Mallee Orchard Pistachios (Southern Mallee) and Aroona Farms (Renmark Paringa), providing practical insights into the application of hyperspectral imagery and irrigation analytics in horticultural systems. The project was also shared with the Mallee Water Resources Community Reference Committee and at an Almond Board of Australia Field Day, supporting wider awareness and discussion across industry.
Feedback from participants has been positive, particularly from those directly involved in trial work, with many noting that while the technology is already commercially available, the project has helped build confidence in its practical application and value for decision-making. These early engagement activities laid a strong foundation for broader extension and adoption.
In the second half of 2025, the project focused on translating these learnings into accessible extension materials to support wider uptake. A suite of communication products, including case studies and a podcast, was developed to showcase real-world examples and demonstrate how irrigation analytics can improve water use efficiency, reduce risk, and support more informed on-farm decisions. Workshops and industry engagement activities continued to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing.
Overall, the project has successfully progressed from on-ground trials and engagement to broader dissemination and adoption. The resources developed will continue to support growers and advisors beyond the life of the project, contributing to improved irrigation management, productivity, and drought resilience across the Murray Mallee and Riverland.
Watch the case studies here:
Further information:
The podcast related to this project can be listened to here.