Precision Horticulture
Horticulture currently contributes more than $3 billion to the Queensland economy. Our research team aims to deliver innovative farming practices that will make a substantial impact on its regional development.
The team is based in Bundaberg, Australia’s most diverse and fastest growing horticultural region with an international reputation for producing a range of crops including macadamias, sweet potato, avocado, citrus, mangos and chilies. The region also incorporates some of Australia’s largest protected cropping enterprises growing miniature cucumbers and blueberries.
Led by Professor Phil Brown, the Precision Horticulture team has also managed international development projects in Papua New Guinea and horticultural supply chain research in the Pacific Islands.
The team has also led the Hinkler AgTech Initiative, an Australian Government funded project aimed at improving the Bundaberg region’s agricultural productivity and profitability through greater uptake of agricultural technology.
Specialist research skills within the team include:
- Production practices for tropical environments
- Assessing the cost-effectiveness of innovations in structures and production practices
- Plant and pest physiology
- Crop agronomy and production practices
- Drone-based crop sensing for biomass, yield, crop water status and early detection of pests and diseases
- Advanced management decision support tools
- Plant parasitic nematode management in vegetable crops
- Automated pest insect monitoring systems.
Research Projects
Our research projects are designed to drive innovation across Australia’s most dynamic horticultural regions and beyond. From crop sensing and automation to international development and supply chain optimisation, our work supports more productive, sustainable, and profitable farming practices.
IFFS was responsible for implementing the Hinkler AgTech Initiative, a $5 million commitment under the Australian Government’s Hinkler Regional Deal. The Initiative increased the region’s agricultural profitability and productivity by facilitating greater utilisation of agricultural technology (AgTech).
The PNG Sweetpotato Commercialisation project assisted small-holder sweet potato farmers in the Papua New Guinea highlands move from subsistence farming to market-oriented production.
Led by CQUniversity and funded by the Australian Centre for International Research (ACIAR), the five-year project strengthened supply chains to selected high-value markets and improved crop productivity through the supply of clean, high-performing planting material and new production practices
Transcript
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This trial site is not only looking at the performance of drip irrigation in cane but more importantly the application of fertigation management as one possible solution to improve fertiliser efficiency putting what the crop needs when the crop needs it. An important outcome from this trial is actually evaluating the performance of these drip systems in a cane production system, both in terms of the potential yield gain we can get from improved irrigation and fertigation management, as well as the economic return from this type of system.
I am mainly focusing on the crop physiology, more specifically by using sensor technology and IT platform try to detect the problems with the crop and report to the stakeholders. It really opens the window for the farmers to monitor their crops remotely it provides some safety in their mind. So basically you will be able to see the situation your crops based on their sensor data feeding back, for example with one of our industry partner with Beauty one system online so they can monitor directly from the office in Sydney about what things are happening in Bundaberg.
For example, you will be able to know when the crops appear to have some water stress and they need water, and then it will further be able to link that to the automatic irrigation system. It's critical to keep a good relationship with industry partner especially communicating with them without barriers so we can have a good understanding about what they really need and make sure the technology we have been integrating will be deployable for them. We are trying to understand some of the issues, some of the problems that are faced by farmers with this kind of system. I'm also looking at using remote sensing techniques including drones to improve irrigation scheduling. We want to make sure that the water being used in agriculture is used as efficiently as possible.
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Netafim are very pleased to be involved in this trial here at Bundaberg. This trial is a collaboration between CQU and DAF and it's a fertigation trial to optimise how we fertigate sugarcane.
This trial hopes to deliver optimal rates, timings and scheduling of fertigation and water to sugarcane, currently, there are some models for irrigation but there's very few, if none, for the fertigation of sugarcane. We can really do a lot better using the modern technologies, better automation, better in-crop monitoring so those systems are being tested here with the hope of growing more crop for farmers in a more profitable way. It makes sense for us to work with this. Netafim are very keen for this trial to succeed and we are delighted to be involved with our collaborative partners.
Key Research Personnel
Led by Professor Phil Brown, our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in agronomy, plant physiology, agricultural technology and more. Meet the researchers behind our work and discover how their skills are helping to shape the future of horticulture.
Professor Phil Brown is a Professor of Horticultural Science. He is an agricultural scientist with a passion for working with agribusinesses and associated industries to improve their productivity, profitability and sustainability, and has had a long engagement with Australia’s horticultural industries through participation in state and national industry planning workshops and involvement in reviews of national horticultural research programs.
Phil's research expertise is in horticultural science, with a focus on plant physiology and agronomy. He works closely with industry partners to deliver practical outcomes based on an understanding of the physiological and anatomical basis of crop development.
Associate Professor Cathy O’Mullan is a research-focused academic at CQUniversity and is passionate about capturing the voices of marginalised populations through qualitative and participatory research approaches.
She has a particular interest in applying a gender equity perspective to her work in women's health, sexual health and domestic violence. Her most recent research focuses on international development where she is committed to working with women subsistence farmers in PNG and Fiji to improve health and livelihoods.
She is a committed and engaged community-based researcher who seeks to foster inclusive partnerships. She also strives to develop capacity-building opportunities for all those involved, particularly community organisations and members.
Cathy has been awarded over $2.5 million in external research funding, most as Chief Investigator. She has published over 40 refereed manuscripts and has authored several industry reports.
Richard Koech obtained his Masters and PhD in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).
Richard’s expertise and research interests include agricultural soil and water management, smart irrigation and water metering, remote sensing and spatial analysis, and agricultural education and extension. Richard has previously worked in a government department as an agricultural engineer and for other universities as a lecturer and research engineer.
Alison Jensen has over 14 years’ experience in agricultural science, having worked in plant breeding and plant pathology. She has a passion for field-based research and enjoys working closely with growers and industry members.
Alison completed her PhD with CQUniversity investigating pachymetra root rot of sugarcane. Based in Bundaberg, Alison’s current role involves assisting with grower-led trials of new technologies, as part of the Hinkler AgTech Initiative. The Initiative aims to increase the profitability and productivity of regional agribusinesses through greater uptake of agricultural technology.
Karli Groves has been studying and working with CQUniversity since 2012 and continues to pursue an academic career in agricultural research. She is passionate about forging close relationships with agribusinesses and applying agricultural research outcomes to real-life farming systems.
Karli completed her PhD with CQUniversity investigating protected cropping, during which she developed a range of skills and knowledge in the areas of horticultural science and plant physiology.
