Land capability assessment for expanding irrigated horticulture around Myalup

The Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD, formerly Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia), assessed the suitability of land for expanding irrigated horticulture around Myalup, Western Australia. The assessment builds upon existing soil-landscape mapping produced by van Gool and Kipling (1992), and Barnesby and Proulx-Nixon (2000). This report provides guidance to decision-makers and investors about areas with potential for irrigated horticulture. The survey area for this assessment is east of Myalup, covering 37 800 hectares (ha). Johnston Road forms the northern boundary and the Brunswick River forms the southern boundary (Figure 1.1). The sandy soils of the Spearwood and Karrakatta series in this area are highly sought after for irrigated horticulture because their drainage and workability provide the opportunity for year-round cropping. They also have better water- and nutrient-holding capacity than other soils on the Swan Coastal Plain. We described 140 soil profiles and collected over 80 soil samples for analysis. We used this information to improve existing soil-landscape mapping. We used land qualities assigned to this mapping to generate land capability maps of the Myalup survey area, highlighting the areas with the greatest potential for irrigated horticulture

Common seasonal pests : your handy guide to prevent the spread of animal and plant pests, diseases and weeds.

This bulletin provides information on quarantine, common pests and common household pests in Western Australia. Details include identification, damage caused, seasonal occurance of pest, action to take, control measures, and where to seek advice.https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/bulletins/1041/thumbnail.jp

The land is in your hands : a practical guide for owners of small rural landholdings in Western Australia

This Bulletin discusses various aspects of managing a small farm or property in Western Australia, including soil and land care, vegetation and plant control on farm holdings, water resource management, biosecurity, plant, animal and insect pest control and livestock management.https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/bulletins/1039/thumbnail.jp

Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera)

The Australian plague locust (APL) is the most economically important grasshopper in Australia. The immature hopper stage damages mainly pastures in farming areas, and gardens and lawns in domestic areas. They tend to avoid established green crops, although the edges of crops can be damaged. Adult locusts can form swarms and fly into other areas, damaging pastures, ripening cereal, lupin and pulse crops, grapevines, fruit trees and native tree seedlings. If crops have completely dried off before locusts begin flying, the possibility of damage is considerably less.https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/bulletins/1036/thumbnail.jp

Wokalup Research Station Staff Reunion 1999

Welcome to the Wokalup Research Station Reunion. The hint of having a Reunion was first mentioned two years ago and then again 12 months ago but as everyone knows, time flies past so quickly. With Wokalup about to have a change in direction and become part of the Education Department it was felt that it was a most appropriate time to have the long awaited Reunion whilst Wokalup Research Station was still part of Agriculture Western Australia or it just wouldn’t happen. We had to rely on peoples’ memories to collate an invitation list so if anyone was overlooked please accept this apology as it was not intentional. A big “Thank you” to Ron McTaggart, Ken Angell and Norm Barrett for compiling a list for the 1960 era and many thanks to the people who were able to obtain current addresses! This book has been compiled from memories of many staff members who have passed through Wokalup (whether it was for 1 year or 27) who replied to the Staff Reunion invitation . It is ashame that we don’t have memories from all staff members but every attempt was made. I am sure that there will be many, many more fond memories told throughout the evening tonight! Wokalup acknowledges that it could not have survived without the input from Research, Professional and Technical staff from other offices within the Department (or Agency as it is known today) and it has been a pleasure to have worked with you all

Report card on sustainable natural resource use in agriculture : status and trend in the agricultural areas of the south-west of Western Australia

This report card summarises our current knowledge of the status and trend in the natural resource base in the agricultural areas of the south-west of Western Australia (WA) and provides a discussion of the implications for agricultural industries. The condition of our natural resources is a complex interaction of numerous processes. In simple terms however, the performance of the land is driven by three primary factors: climate, land characteristics and land management. The first two factors are largely out of the control of land managers, and in a drying and variable climate, land management practices need to be able to respond quickly to changing conditions.https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/books/1013/thumbnail.jp

Floriculture : a blooming business

Over the past 1O years, Western Australia\u27s ornamental plant industry has experienced significant growth in value. The industry has expanded and adopted new technologies, but some enterprises have closed There have also been major changes reflecting the economic climate and conservation pressures. The ornamental plant industry in this State is valued at more than $70 million annually. It encompasses three areas: nursery production, exotic cutflower production, and native cutllower production. The native cutflower industry is by far the largest growth sector