4 March 2019: A new soil moisture measurement system designed by the University of Canberra has improved forest irrigation monitoring and paved the way for a more sustainable watering monitoring at the National Arboretum Canberra.
On Tuesday 5 March ACT Attorney-General Minister Gordon Ramsay will launch the Smart Soil Moisture Monitoring System at the National Arboretum Canberra.
The University of Canberra team designed and installed the Smart Soil Moisture Monitoring System to assist with the management of forests at the National Arboretum. It is currently implemented in 10 forests.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Deep Saini, said the partnership was an excellent example of how the University, ACT Government and industry stakeholders can work together.
“The University of Canberra is pleased to partner with the National Arboretum on such an innovative system,” said Professor Saini.
“Dr Kumudu Munasinghe and our engineering students have created an impressive product that will hopefully add value for the National Arboretum team and contribute to their water sustainability plans.”
The implementation of the Smart Soil Moisture Monitoring System also provided a practical experience for engineering students.
“Throughout the process, UC has been able to host 10 student engineers for their honours projects and work experience internships,” said Professor Saini.
“This was a fantastic example of the type of work integrated learning that proves invaluable for our students.”
The soil moisture system optimises irrigation by showing in detail how saturated the soil is getting, and how long the moisture takes to dry in real-time.
Executive Manager at the National Arboretum, Scott Saddler, said the system was helping with further irrigation programming.
“The watering of 94 forests at the Arboretum is quite complex. Each of the species has different maintenance requirements. This new system is helping us to manage our forest maintenance by providing accurate and immediate data,” said Mr Saddler.
WHAT: Official launch of Smart Soil Moisture Monitoring System at the National Arboretum, with Minister Gordon Ramsay MLA
WHEN: 10.15am, Tuesday 5 March 2019
WHERE: Parana Pine Forest (Forest number 23) National Arboretum Canberra.
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Tara Corcoran
0418 806 293
Tara.Corcoran@canberra.edu.au