Systems Design and Optimisation
This programme investigates, develops and transfers innovative systems that optimise industry agricultural performance. Research, development and innovation is conducted in four main areas.
Research in this Key Area focuses on topical issues pertaining to production sustainability, including:
- Assessment of the impacts of agronomic and mechanisation issues on production efficiencies and sustainability;
- Determination of opportunities for on-farm energy savings and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions;
- Deployment of novel technologies to improve operational efficiencies and services to the industry; and
- Development of new and improvement of existing technologies and approaches to further promote alignment between research and development and industry requirements.
Research in this Key Area focuses on the:
- Development of recommendations and advice to promote effective water management and deployment of associated technologies, both in terms of irrigation practices and surface water management; and
- Analysis of the socio-technical drivers of adoption of technology, recommendations and best practice advice, with specific reference to irrigation scheduling.
This Key Area encompasses the adaptation, development and deployment of technologies that focus on enhancing SASRI internal efficiencies and the quality of service provision by the institute to the industry.
This research area aims to adapt an existing sugarcane crop forecasting system (a model-based system) to utilise real-time estimates of canopy cover derived from remotely sensed data. It is believed that this will improve the quality of crop forecasts, enabling improved efficiency of cane supply and value chains.
Although the concept has been proven before and is used for other crops, the application of the approach to operational sugarcane crop forecasting is unique internationally.
For more information contact:
Tel: 031 508 7400 (Direct)