P. Shotton
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines
The main objective of this study was to grow and trial new and commercially available grain sorghum varieties at the Douglas Daly Research Farm (DDRF) to determine those suitable for the Douglas - Daly District. Over the past ten years replicated sorghum variety trials were conducted at DDRF. During the past six years sorghum seed supplied by the Pioneer and Pacific seed companies has been used. Among the varieties evaluated are those which have shown promise in past years and new varieties, which may suit the Top End climate. Trial results will provide yield and suitability information on commercially available varieties.
The report shows the results of different grain sorghum characteristics grown in the Daly Region
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Recommendations for nutrient resource condition targets for the Daly River
J. Schult, S. Townsend, M. Douglas, I. Webster, S. Skinner and M. Casanova
Charles Darwin University
Dry season flows in the Daly River and its tributaries are supplied from groundwater. Nutrient concentrations entering the Daly River are primarily determined by their groundwater source, but concentrations within the river are determined by biological processes. The growth of algae is limited by both nitrogen and phosphorus and management needs to be directed towards both nutrients.
Charles Darwin University
Dry season flows in the Daly River and its tributaries are supplied from groundwater. Nutrient concentrations entering the Daly River are primarily determined by their groundwater source, but concentrations within the river are determined by biological processes. The growth of algae is limited by both nitrogen and phosphorus and management needs to be directed towards both nutrients.
High nitrate concentrations in the Douglas River and their impact on Daly River water quality
J. Schult and R. Metcalfe
Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Environment and Heritage Division, Aquatic Health Unit
The objectives of this study were to investigate whether high nitrate concentrations were present in the Douglas River in the 2004 dry season, measure dry season flows of the Douglas River, determine nutrient loads of the Douglas and Daly Rivers, determine how the nitrate-rich Douglas River mixes with the Daly River and examine if this nutrient enrichment has an effect on phytoplankton in the Daly River.
Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Environment and Heritage Division, Aquatic Health Unit
The objectives of this study were to investigate whether high nitrate concentrations were present in the Douglas River in the 2004 dry season, measure dry season flows of the Douglas River, determine nutrient loads of the Douglas and Daly Rivers, determine how the nitrate-rich Douglas River mixes with the Daly River and examine if this nutrient enrichment has an effect on phytoplankton in the Daly River.
Carettochelys insculpta (pig-nosed turtle). Ectoparasites
R. A. Saumure and J. S. Doody
Herpetological Review, 31, 4, 237-238
Leeches were found parasitizing pig-nosed turtles captured in the Daly River at Oolloo crossing, Northern Territory, Australia, on October 26, 1996. This leech species, Placobdelloides bancrofti, has not been collected since the original description from the host turtle Emydura krefftii in the Burnett River, Queensland, Australia. Here the authors document a new host record and range extension of P. bancrofti, and the first hirudinean parasite for Carettochelys insculpta, the pig-nosed turtle.
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=fzh&AN=231801999993043&site=ehost-live
Herpetological Review, 31, 4, 237-238
Leeches were found parasitizing pig-nosed turtles captured in the Daly River at Oolloo crossing, Northern Territory, Australia, on October 26, 1996. This leech species, Placobdelloides bancrofti, has not been collected since the original description from the host turtle Emydura krefftii in the Burnett River, Queensland, Australia. Here the authors document a new host record and range extension of P. bancrofti, and the first hirudinean parasite for Carettochelys insculpta, the pig-nosed turtle.
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=fzh&AN=231801999993043&site=ehost-live
Stream flows and Water Quality parameters in the Daly Basin
A. J. Russ, D. K. Rance, S. Answer, P. Challinor, S. Cruikshank and G. Willis
Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts
In 2001 the Hydrographic unit, at the request of Resource Assessment, undertook a stream gauging exercise to determine the recessional flows into and from the Daly Basin groundwater systems. In June 2005 we were requested to repeat the exercise. The programme consisted of undertaking a series of gaugings and water quality parameters at a series of predefined locations.
Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts
In 2001 the Hydrographic unit, at the request of Resource Assessment, undertook a stream gauging exercise to determine the recessional flows into and from the Daly Basin groundwater systems. In June 2005 we were requested to repeat the exercise. The programme consisted of undertaking a series of gaugings and water quality parameters at a series of predefined locations.
Exotic grass invasion in the tropical savannah of northern Australia: ecosystem consequences
N. Rossiter, S. Setterfield, M. Douglas, L. Hutley and G. Cook
Weeds Society of New South Wales, 6-9 September 2004
Introduced African grasses are invading the tropical savannahs of northern Australia and displacing native grasses. A study aimed to quantify the effect of introduced gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) invasion on nitrogen availability and soil water dynamics over the wet season in a tropical savannah. It was found that, compared with sites dominated by native grasses, sites invaded by gamba grass had: greatly increased fire intensities, reduced available soil nitrate levels, trebled grass water use, and more than halved deep drainage of water. Gamba grass therefore has the ability to out-compete native grasses and alter catchment hydrology to the detriment of wetlands and streams.
Weeds Society of New South Wales, 6-9 September 2004
Introduced African grasses are invading the tropical savannahs of northern Australia and displacing native grasses. A study aimed to quantify the effect of introduced gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) invasion on nitrogen availability and soil water dynamics over the wet season in a tropical savannah. It was found that, compared with sites dominated by native grasses, sites invaded by gamba grass had: greatly increased fire intensities, reduced available soil nitrate levels, trebled grass water use, and more than halved deep drainage of water. Gamba grass therefore has the ability to out-compete native grasses and alter catchment hydrology to the detriment of wetlands and streams.
Katherine flooding, 2003/2004 wet season
L. Rajaratnam, S. J. Tickell and R. Farrow
Department of Infrastructure Planning and Environment, Natural Systems Division, April 2004
The Katherine region and in particular the Tindal Creek catchment experienced well above average rainfall events during December 2003, February and March of 2004. The direct cause of the flooding was the several high daily rainfall events starting with the highest even on the 23rd December. The situation was worsened by the fact that the underlying limestone aquifer filled to overflowing in many areas. This has never been recorded before. In an average rainfall year a substantial proportion of rainfall drains directly underground via sinkholes, caves and factures in the rock. Above average rainfalls since the 19996/1997 wet season have raised regional watertables to their present high levels. Runoff has increased substantially this season because the high watertable has blocked downward drainage to the aquifer. Clearing, urbanisation and drain construction in the catchment have also added to increased runoff. The conveyance of the drainage system in Tindal Creek could not cope with this increased runoff and flooding occurred on both sides of Bicentennial Drive.
Department of Infrastructure Planning and Environment, Natural Systems Division, April 2004
The Katherine region and in particular the Tindal Creek catchment experienced well above average rainfall events during December 2003, February and March of 2004. The direct cause of the flooding was the several high daily rainfall events starting with the highest even on the 23rd December. The situation was worsened by the fact that the underlying limestone aquifer filled to overflowing in many areas. This has never been recorded before. In an average rainfall year a substantial proportion of rainfall drains directly underground via sinkholes, caves and factures in the rock. Above average rainfalls since the 19996/1997 wet season have raised regional watertables to their present high levels. Runoff has increased substantially this season because the high watertable has blocked downward drainage to the aquifer. Clearing, urbanisation and drain construction in the catchment have also added to increased runoff. The conveyance of the drainage system in Tindal Creek could not cope with this increased runoff and flooding occurred on both sides of Bicentennial Drive.
An assessment of the source of naturally occurring high concentrations of radium in groundwater of the Daly Basin.
H. Qureshi and P. Martin
Power and Water Authority
This report details the available historical data for the area between King and Edith Rivers, together with some additional radionuclide analyses undertaken to investigate the source of the radium. This work is performed to obtain background information needed for water resource management purposes.
Power and Water Authority
This report details the available historical data for the area between King and Edith Rivers, together with some additional radionuclide analyses undertaken to investigate the source of the radium. This work is performed to obtain background information needed for water resource management purposes.
Groundwater Modelling of the Tindal Limestone Aquifer
A. Puhalovich
EWL Sciences for the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment
This report looks at the interaction between the aquifer and Katherine River, and possible changes to river flow as a result of various groundwater use scenarios. The key issues relate to: understanding groundwater recharge rates and pre-development discharge rates to the Katherine River; assumptions concerning the conceptual hydrological model and refinements needed for previously developed groundwater models; the development scenarios and seasonal groundwater use patterns; and the timing and nature of surface water / groundwater interactions.
EWL Sciences for the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment
This report looks at the interaction between the aquifer and Katherine River, and possible changes to river flow as a result of various groundwater use scenarios. The key issues relate to: understanding groundwater recharge rates and pre-development discharge rates to the Katherine River; assumptions concerning the conceptual hydrological model and refinements needed for previously developed groundwater models; the development scenarios and seasonal groundwater use patterns; and the timing and nature of surface water / groundwater interactions.
Lower Daly river basin investigation of flood protection and flood forecasting - projects 42 & 77
H. A. Power, D. G. Pidsley and R. J. Reinhard
Investigations Branch Darwin [Dept of Transport and Works]
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD80017
Investigations Branch Darwin [Dept of Transport and Works]
http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/hpa-services/techreport?report_id=WRD80017
Katherine Water Supply and Sewerage Development Plan
Power and Water Authority
Through the development plan the aim was to provide background and information on the current Katherine Water Supply and Sewerage systems, outline future needs and alternatives, encourage Community participation and discussion of water and wastewater issues. Issues of relevance to this consultation process include; the cost of providing the water supply and sewerage services and tariff structures, the development of future water sources, the continued use of the Katherine River as a major water source, the levels of service desired, the degree of security of supply required to cover the low rainfall years and the costs involved, the management of water demand through more efficient use of water both inside the home and in the garden, the treatment and disposal of sewerage and reuse of effluent, horticultural use of Katherine River and possible future dams and the protection of water sources from pollution.
Through the development plan the aim was to provide background and information on the current Katherine Water Supply and Sewerage systems, outline future needs and alternatives, encourage Community participation and discussion of water and wastewater issues. Issues of relevance to this consultation process include; the cost of providing the water supply and sewerage services and tariff structures, the development of future water sources, the continued use of the Katherine River as a major water source, the levels of service desired, the degree of security of supply required to cover the low rainfall years and the costs involved, the management of water demand through more efficient use of water both inside the home and in the garden, the treatment and disposal of sewerage and reuse of effluent, horticultural use of Katherine River and possible future dams and the protection of water sources from pollution.
Analysis of the Lower Burdekin, Ord and Katherine-Douglas-Daly Irrigation Areas: Implications to future design and management of tropical irrigation
C. Petheram, S. J. Tickell, F. O'Gara, K. Bristow, A. Smith and P. Jolly
February 2008
This study examines three well known but different irrigation areas in northern Australia and seeks to draw out key experiences and lessons relevant to existing and future irrigation in the North. The three focus areas are the: Lower Burdekin (LB), Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA), and Katherine-Douglas-Daly-Area (KDDA). The Daly River has no in-stream storages yet maintains a relatively large dry season flow due to baseflow from groundwater inflow. It is these perennial flows and groundwater yields that make the region attractive to irrigators, and these same features make the Daly River an area of high ecological and cultural significance.
http://www.clw.csiro.au/publications/science/index.html
February 2008
This study examines three well known but different irrigation areas in northern Australia and seeks to draw out key experiences and lessons relevant to existing and future irrigation in the North. The three focus areas are the: Lower Burdekin (LB), Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA), and Katherine-Douglas-Daly-Area (KDDA). The Daly River has no in-stream storages yet maintains a relatively large dry season flow due to baseflow from groundwater inflow. It is these perennial flows and groundwater yields that make the region attractive to irrigators, and these same features make the Daly River an area of high ecological and cultural significance.
http://www.clw.csiro.au/publications/science/index.html
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Irrigation in northern Australia: a comparative analysis of the lower Burdekin, Ord and Katherine-Douglas-Daly irrigation systems
C. Petheram, K. L. Bristow, T. Smith, S. J. Tickell, P. Jolly, F. O'Gara and C. Manning
Towards an understanding of the hydrological factors, constraints and opportunities for irrigation in northern Australia: A review.
C. Petheram and K. Bristow
February 2008
In this report we seek to lay foundations for understanding the hydrology of northern Australia, by providing a broad overview of the surface and groundwater resources with respect to irrigation development. In doing so we aim to: 1) provide a review of key literature on climate and hydrology in northern Australia, relevant to irrigation; and 2) highlight key bio-physical issues, opportunities and constraints for irrigation in northern Australia.
http://www.clw.csiro.au/publications/science/2008/sr13-08.pdf
February 2008
In this report we seek to lay foundations for understanding the hydrology of northern Australia, by providing a broad overview of the surface and groundwater resources with respect to irrigation development. In doing so we aim to: 1) provide a review of key literature on climate and hydrology in northern Australia, relevant to irrigation; and 2) highlight key bio-physical issues, opportunities and constraints for irrigation in northern Australia.
http://www.clw.csiro.au/publications/science/2008/sr13-08.pdf
Daly River Community Flood Study
J. Paiva
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
In this report a flood frequency analysis of peak discharges at the Daly River community has been carried out, and the frequency of major flood related effects on the Daly River community have been determined using hydrological records available to date. Also, the flood forecasting and warning system for the Daly River Community and its current upgrade and capability have been described.
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
In this report a flood frequency analysis of peak discharges at the Daly River community has been carried out, and the frequency of major flood related effects on the Daly River community have been determined using hydrological records available to date. Also, the flood forecasting and warning system for the Daly River Community and its current upgrade and capability have been described.
Review of water quality data in HYDSYS database for the Daly River basin
A. Padovan, S. Townsend and A. Vandenberg
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment, Natural Resources Division
This report evaluates the database, using the Daly River Basin as a case study, by assessing the number of sites sampled, the parameters tested and the number of results available. The most frequently sampled sites were for the Katherine River, close to Katherine township. The samples collected from these sites were tested for their properties that affect the supply of potable water to the township. Overall, there is a paucity of water quality data of ecological significance. The exception is conductivity, alkalinity and calium concentrations for the Katherine River near Katherine, and some lower reaches of the Daly and Douglas Rivers; data from these sites could provide information on seasonal and inter-annual water quality trends.
The report provides an overview of Natural Resources Division's water quality database from a water quality management perspective.
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment, Natural Resources Division
This report evaluates the database, using the Daly River Basin as a case study, by assessing the number of sites sampled, the parameters tested and the number of results available. The most frequently sampled sites were for the Katherine River, close to Katherine township. The samples collected from these sites were tested for their properties that affect the supply of potable water to the township. Overall, there is a paucity of water quality data of ecological significance. The exception is conductivity, alkalinity and calium concentrations for the Katherine River near Katherine, and some lower reaches of the Daly and Douglas Rivers; data from these sites could provide information on seasonal and inter-annual water quality trends.
The report provides an overview of Natural Resources Division's water quality database from a water quality management perspective.
Tree Water Use and Sources of Transpired Water in Riparian Vegetation along the Daly River, Northern Territory
A. O'Grady, D. Eamus, P. Cook, S. Lamontagne, G. Kelley and L. Hutley
Environment Australia and National River Health Programme, 2002
This examines groundwater dependence and environmental flow requirements of the Daly River. In particular, this report examines the spatial and temporal patterns of water use by riparian vegetation along the Daly River. While water use requirements and groundwater dependence have been examined in a number of ecosystems around Australia, we believe that this is the first attempt to quantify the sources and water use requirements of riparian vegetation in tropical Australia for consideration in assessing the environmental flow requirements of riparian vegetation. Sources of water used by riparian vegetation along the Daly River were assessed by examining the isotopic composition, in particular the concentration of deuterium, in river water, groundwater, soil water and xylem water.
http://www.environment.gov.au/water/publications/environmental/rivers/nrhp/daly-river-2.html
Environment Australia and National River Health Programme, 2002
This examines groundwater dependence and environmental flow requirements of the Daly River. In particular, this report examines the spatial and temporal patterns of water use by riparian vegetation along the Daly River. While water use requirements and groundwater dependence have been examined in a number of ecosystems around Australia, we believe that this is the first attempt to quantify the sources and water use requirements of riparian vegetation in tropical Australia for consideration in assessing the environmental flow requirements of riparian vegetation. Sources of water used by riparian vegetation along the Daly River were assessed by examining the isotopic composition, in particular the concentration of deuterium, in river water, groundwater, soil water and xylem water.
http://www.environment.gov.au/water/publications/environmental/rivers/nrhp/daly-river-2.html
Groundwater use by riparian vegetation in the wet-dry tropics of northern Australia
A. O'Grady, D. Eamus, P. Cook and S. Lamontagne
Australian Journal of Botany, 54, 2, 145-154,
A study assessing groundwater use by riparian vegetation along the Daly River NT. The riparian forest exhibited considerable structural and floristic complexity. More than 40 tree species were recorded and these exhibited a range of leaf phenologies, implying complex patterns of water resource partitioning. Water use was a function of species and season, and stand water use varied between 1.8 and 4.1mm/day. In general, water use tended to be higher in the wet season than during the dry season, reflecting the contribution to stand water use by dry season deciduous tree species. There was a strong relationship between stand basal area and stand water use in the wet season, but the strength of this relationship was lower in the dry season. The amount of groundwater use was principally a function of position in the landscape.
Australian Journal of Botany, 54, 2, 145-154,
A study assessing groundwater use by riparian vegetation along the Daly River NT. The riparian forest exhibited considerable structural and floristic complexity. More than 40 tree species were recorded and these exhibited a range of leaf phenologies, implying complex patterns of water resource partitioning. Water use was a function of species and season, and stand water use varied between 1.8 and 4.1mm/day. In general, water use tended to be higher in the wet season than during the dry season, reflecting the contribution to stand water use by dry season deciduous tree species. There was a strong relationship between stand basal area and stand water use in the wet season, but the strength of this relationship was lower in the dry season. The amount of groundwater use was principally a function of position in the landscape.
Irrigated Maize Production on Blain Soils at Douglas Daly Research Farm
F. O'Gara, S. Lucas, C. Ham and M. Hearnden
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines
The main objective of this research was to determine the yield potential and agronomic requirements of irrigated maize in the Daly Basin. Maize is a minor crop in the NT but one of the few field crops that lend themselves to centre pivot irrigation in the dry-season. It is a good rotation crop with peanuts and is capable of producing high yields and moderate to good returns under good management. In the past, commercial maize yields have been disappointing due to grower inexperience with the crop under tropical conditions. For the past four years the Department has been evaluating commercial lines of maize under irrigation at Douglas Daly Research Farm (DDRF). The objective was to develop agronomic experience with the crop, to ascertain its potential under irrigation in rotation with peanuts and provide growers with specific recommendations on its production and management in this environment.
Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines
The main objective of this research was to determine the yield potential and agronomic requirements of irrigated maize in the Daly Basin. Maize is a minor crop in the NT but one of the few field crops that lend themselves to centre pivot irrigation in the dry-season. It is a good rotation crop with peanuts and is capable of producing high yields and moderate to good returns under good management. In the past, commercial maize yields have been disappointing due to grower inexperience with the crop under tropical conditions. For the past four years the Department has been evaluating commercial lines of maize under irrigation at Douglas Daly Research Farm (DDRF). The objective was to develop agronomic experience with the crop, to ascertain its potential under irrigation in rotation with peanuts and provide growers with specific recommendations on its production and management in this environment.
Evaluation of Wynn cassia (Chamaecrista rotundifolia) as a pasture and hay crop for the Douglas Daly area of the Northern Territory: Douglas Daly prod
F. O'Gara
Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development,
A producer initiated project was conducted to investigate the management of Wynn cassia (WC) and its value as a pasture and fodder crop under commercial conditions. Pure swards of WC consistently resulted in lower animal performance than alternative pastures, giving 20-30% lower live weight gain than other improved pastures. This could result in potential losses of over $200/ha depending on stocking rate and cattle prices.
Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development,
A producer initiated project was conducted to investigate the management of Wynn cassia (WC) and its value as a pasture and fodder crop under commercial conditions. Pure swards of WC consistently resulted in lower animal performance than alternative pastures, giving 20-30% lower live weight gain than other improved pastures. This could result in potential losses of over $200/ha depending on stocking rate and cattle prices.
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