RESOURCE PROTECTION  Program Leader - Dr Robert Edis

The aim of this program is to provide research solutions to assist the development of a sustainable productive grains industry in Victoria and south eastern Australia, where our natural resources (soil, water, air, biota) are managed such that they are not degraded but are used productively.

Outputs that will enable this vision to be realised include:

• Management strategies that reduce deep drainage and increase the water use of grain crops
• Guidelines to minimise the potential impacts of nutrient losses and water flows from raised beds
• Practices that maintain soil health and fertility

Understanding of the underlying processes governing the dynamics of soil and water in cropping systems Identification of benchmarks for soil health and water loss (through deep drainage or surface runoff), especially with respect to future degradation or conservation trends. Understanding of the economic impacts of environmentally desireable practices