In this section:
Sustainable Systems
Sustainable Systems is dedicated to providing science-driven solutions that support sustainable agricultural production and promote the development of new environmental industries - all while protecting the valuable resource base which these industries rely upon.
The Division provides significant R&D services to the private and public sectors in the areas of risk management (including diseases, pests, salinity, climate, and drought), biosecurity, product quality and market access, new productions systems and technologies, and natural resources management. View the Sustainable Systems organisation chart (.PDF)
Research platforms offer practical and productive ways to:
- safeguard land and water resources and ecosystems
- minimise the threat and impact of diseases and pests
- optimise and enhance soil, water production systems
- better adapt to a variable and changing climate
- deliver technologies enabling agricultural industries to diversity into green business - including bioenergy, recycled organics and utlising saline water.
Science Program Areas
Climate Applications science program: addresses both season-to-season climate variability and longer-term climate change, delivering innovation in the application of climate science to managers of agricultural and natural systems in South Australia.
Entomology science program: has expertise in insect taxonomy, ecology and molecular biology, applied to diagnostic services and integrated pest management programs for agricultural, forestry and urban pests.
Plant and Soil Health science program: underpins SA plant industries by providing targeted research and development in plant pathology, plant biosecurity, soil health, bio-inoculants as well as the development and delivery of high-throughput molecular and immunological diagnostics. Integrated plant health solutions are achieved through scientific strengths in mycology, nematology, molecular diagnostics, microbiology and immunology linked to national and international collaborative networks.
Viticulture science program: conducts applied research in the areas of plant improvement, soil and water management across the major wine grape production regions in South Australia.
Water Resources and Irrigated Crops science program: conducts research in the areas of water, salt and nutrient management in irrigated horticulture and pasture.
Biofuels research operates under SARDI's Aquaculture program area. More information on algal production systems.
Research Sites and Facilities
SARDI's Sustainable Systems research division carries out research at the Waite Campus, Lenswood Research Centre, Loxton Research Centre and Nurioopta Agricultural Centre.
Partner Research Organisations and programs
- Murray-Darling Basin Commission Programs
- Grape and Wine research and development Corporation
- Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
- National Program for Sustainable Irrigation (external link)
Land and Water Australia
Contact Information
Dr Kathy Ophel Keller
Acting Chief, Sustainable Systems
