- Author CRCNA and research partners
- Publish date 30 March 2026
- Type Report
- Documents
- Horticulture
- Agriculture
- Water
Summary
This impact evaluation summarises the outcomes of CRCNA project: A.1.2021074 – NT Water Productivity, Efficiency and Sustainability Project (WPESP).
The WPESP aimed to improve irrigation efficiency and water productivity across irrigated horticulture and agriculture in the Northern Territory while supporting responsible management of shared groundwater resources.
The project established on-farm demonstration sites to showcase best practice irrigation and precision agriculture technologies. Monitoring programs and grower engagement benchmarked current water use and established measurable productivity baselines including kilograms per megalitre (kg/ML) and dollars per megalitre ($/ML), providing a foundation for tracking improvements over time.
Growers adopted soil moisture monitoring and irrigation scheduling technologies supported by tailored advice and industry engagement activities including workshops, farm walks, case studies and technical resources.
The project strengthened industry capability in irrigation best management practices, increased understanding of efficient water use and supported broader adoption of precision irrigation technologies, helping improve water productivity and support sustainable groundwater management across the NT.
Projects
Water productivity, efficiency and sustainability in tropical horticulture
This project improved irrigation efficiency and water productivity across tropical horticulture in the Northern Territory, helping growers make better use of limited groundwater resources while supporting sustainable agricultural development. Working with commercial growers, the project established on-farm demonstration sites to trial precision irrigation technologies, soil moisture monitoring and data-driven irrigation scheduling across key horticultural production systems. The research benchmarked water use and established measurable productivity indicators, including kilograms and dollars produced per megalitre of water, creating a stronger evidence base for irrigation management and future water planning. The project helped participating farms improve water use efficiency by 10–50%, supported adoption of soil moisture monitoring technologies by 17 growers, and strengthened industry capability through workshops, farm walks and technical resources. By improving irrigation decision-making and establishing practical benchmarks for water productivity, the project has laid the groundwork for more efficient, productive and sustainable horticultural growth across northern Australia.