Dr Girija Page1
1Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Alice Springs, Australia
Biography:
Mid-career agri-environment professional with experience in Oceania, Asia, Europe and Africa. Leadership and coordination in developmental projects on sustainable and profitable agri-food systems with a focus on diversification, climate smart agricultural practices, and natural resources management. Worked with key stakeholders as a researcher, specialist and capacity builder for ongoing environmental improvement.
Abstract:
Insights from the implementation of a climate smart agriculture project funded by the Northern Hub in the irrigated production systems of central arid region of the Northern Territory (NT) are discussed. Under the project, a one-off material incentive in the form of compost was applied to watermelon and pasture crops to demonstrate the benefits of increased soil organic matter in building climate resilience. Farmers of the watermelon and pasture crops were enthused by the results on moisture retention ability, soil organic carbon content and anecdotal evidence which suggested an increase in production and quality of the crop from compost application. A potential impediment to the continued use of compost application is the costs associated from long distance transport. Further information on the cost/benefit assessment that includes costs of compost transportation to the farm gate vis a vis anticipated increased yields and water savings is needed for informed decision-making for adoption of the practice of compost application. Moreover, discussion on other cultural practices to increase soil organic matter such as intercropping/cover cropping and water savings associated with climate smart agricultural practices will help in the ongoing efforts for increased adoption of practices for sustainability and profitability in the region.