Science in the Paddock will explore how locally made scientific instruments can be used in local agriculture, such as optimising plant water use and species selection.

Shane Andrews from Southern New England Landcare, the organisers, said the event was open to anyone in modern agriculture.

“Like in many other industries, agriculture is moving fast when it comes to new technologies that are changing the way we work with plants and animals,” Mr Andrews said.

“Keeping abreast of these changes is essential if we are to continue being effective.”

The topics will include plant function, water response and growth, impacts of soil condition on plant establishment, sap flow monitoring and psychrometry, and tree monitoring in practice.

The presenters will include Peter Cull and Ben Umali from Armidale-based ICT International, which produces precision agricultural solutions and wireless sensor networks. 

“These instruments have applications in horticulture, viticulture, agroforestry and groundwater-dependent ecosystems and this event will be of interest to anyone studying or working in the agricultural and rural science space, including interested landholders and extension officers,” Mr Andrews said.

“We’d love to see as many students or practitioners of agricultural, rural or environmental science as possible attend the day.”

This event is part of the $25 million National Landcare Programme investment to boost farm gate productivity and improve environmental health across NSW.