In this section:
Research Background
The Environmental Biotechnology Cooperative Research Centre (EBCRC) has approved a new project (AUD$1.3M for three years) to be based at Roseworthy Campus titled " Commercial scale integrated biosystems for organic waste and wastewater treatment for the livestock and food processing industries". The vision of the EBCRC is to establish environmental biotechnology as a mainstream sector in the biotechnology industry using natural bioprocesses to benefit industry and the environment. This project is developed to be aligned with both SARDI’s and the EBCRC ‘s strategic research focuses, which are to promote sustainable primary industries.
SARDI is actively involved in promoting sustainable farming practices and integration of aquaculture with more traditional land based farming. Over the last few years SARDI has undertaken land based aquaculture research in SA aimed at developing integrated “poly-culture” systems, utilising effluent streams and other sources such as the saline water. This strategic research also has been progressed through collaborative projects in Asian countries including Vietnam, China and India.
Top left & Clockwise: A typical traditional farm in Asia employing a poly-culture system with an algae pond between the house and the fish pond in the foreground; Dr. Martin Kumar in talks with local scientists; Poultry farming is another application of an integrated bio-system; Fish harvested from an effluent pond system; Weeds flourishing in an effluent pond, filtering out suspended nutrients.
Agro-Industrial growth, a vital factor for economic improvement and employment generation depends on the sustained growth of primary industries. Achieving this sectors growth targets is likely to have a significant impact on the Australian landscape and regional communities and is heavily dependent on continued access to reasonable priced and high quality land and water. Sustainability of the primary industries will be dependent on the efficiency achieved in managing the scarce/fragile water resource in farming situations. There is an urgent need to develop technology, which minimises usage of domestic, ground or surface water and allows water recycling/reuse.
Research Challenges and Advantages
The complexity of the ecosystems, diversity of organisms and critical factors that are significantly influenced in different climatic conditions has made biosystem development a real challenge for researchers. Public perception of integrated fish farming systems is a social issue, which needs to be addressed through promoting greater awareness. The project also requires a multidisciplinary team working together to achieve a common goal. However, the technology has a clear advantage (low cost and natural) to any other competing technology. Integrated biosystems (integrated farming) is an environmentally friendly technology that many developing (eg. India, China, Thailand, Vietnam) and developed countries (eg. (USA, UK and Germany) are promoting.
Top left & clockwise: Dr. Martin Kumar in a meeting in Vietnam; in the field with a local official; Paul Harris (Biofuels engineering), Sandy Wyatt (Technical Officer) and Dr. Phil Glatz (Project Leader, PPPI) at Roseworthy College; meeting with officials for talks; The agricultural landscape in Vietnam; Dr. Martin Kumar talking with local farmers and scientists in Vietnam.
Research Principles and Focus
The term "integrated biosystem” in layman's term is known as integrated farming. It refers to an approach to farming which incorporates the concept of integrated resource management (IRM). This approach integrates the management of agricultural enterprises, particularly, livestock, agriculture and aquaculture with their natural resources (water, nutrient, soil) systems so that opportunities and synergism can be exploited and waste is minimised. The utilisation of economic, social, nutritional and ecological services offered by managed water resources and fish is seen as basis for sustainable farming systems. The approach involves interdisciplinary research in close partnership with the targeted resource systems as entry points for research, which builds a common foundation for farmers and researchers. In layman's terms integrated farming activities can compliment and improve the overall recycling and efficient use of agricultural resources.
Top Left & Clockwise: A wastewater pond; Mesophyllic digester prototype; Pond weeds growing in nutrient-rich effluent; A traditional piggery from where effluent is collected in the process of flushing the sheds; Harvesting fish grown in effluent & stormwater ponds in Asia; After many stages of biological filtration, the resultant water has a greatly reduced nutrient and sediment level, as can be seen in the visibility of the water.
Expected Outcomes and Targeted Industries to Benefit
The expected outcome of the project is the development of methods to eliminate pathogens and to promote efficient integrated biosystems, which treat wastewater and produce valuable by-products from organic wastes from the livestock and food processing industries. A system approach will be used as this provides a high degree of reliability and flexibility, enabling the farmers/producers to adapt the technology depending on their circumstances. This project will also result in the ability to establish a premier centre for education, training and research in this integration of disciplines. A number of industries are potential beneficiaries.
- Meat and food processing industries
- Wineries and breweries
- Livestock systems
- Aquaculture
- Horticulture and viticulture
- Pasture and crop industries
- Wastewater and sewage treatment plants
Top left & Clockwise: Horticulture food crop industry - irrigation; Pig industry - effluent management and feed technologies; Aquaculture industry and environment; Poultry industry - feed technologies; Cattle industry - effluent management.
