Research Examines Heat Impacts On Grain Production

Innovative research is underway in Central Queensland to investigate how higher temperatures affect grain and pulse production and identify ways to manage production risks.

Department of Primary Industries researchers at the Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre in Emerald are using six purpose built chambers to study the impacts of higher night time temperatures on sorghum, a grain used in stockfeed and food products including beer and gluten free flour.

The research aims to examine the effects of heat stress on crops and identify practical strategies to maintain productivity in hotter conditions.

Six infield heat chambers have been commissioned and designed for Queensland conditions in partnership with technology company Biora.

The chambers are installed in the paddock and can raise temperatures by up to three degrees to simulate higher night time conditions. Remote monitoring devices allow researchers to collect data to support climate productivity research across grains and pulses.

The research forms part of more than 230 actions being delivered over five years under Primary Industries Prosper 2050, a plan developed with rural and regional communities and industry.

The Queensland Government has set a target of increasing the value of primary production output to $30 billion by 2030, with research and development focused on productivity identified as one area of investment.

Minister for primary industries Tony Perrett said the infrastructure would support research into the effects of a changing climate on agriculture.

“By leveraging advanced technologies like in-field heat chambers, we are equipping Queensland farmers with the knowledge to better understand and manage the impacts of an increasingly variable climate,” Perrett said.

“I have said time and time again that the [Queensland] Government backs our farmers with real investment, not empty promises.

“This is just one example of how we are delivering on our commitment to grow our primary industries to $30 billion by 2030, ensuring a strong and sustainable future for agriculture in our State.

“We are proud to partner with industry to invest in research that delivers practical management options growers can use now and into the future.”

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