A new book exploring the evolution of Australian farming systems over the past 30 years was launched at the 19th Australian Agronomy Conference held earlier this year at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.
The e-book Australian Agriculture in 2020: From Conservation to Automation was edited by Charles Sturt University (CSU) Professor Jim Pratley and CSIRO chief reseach scientist and CSU adjunct professor Dr John Kirkegaard.
Professor Pratley is the plant systems research pathway leader at the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, an alliance between CSU and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Professor Pratley said the book chartered the changes in Australia's soil management practices and identifies the challenges facing growers in the decades ahead.
"This book celebrates the achievements of agronomy, the research teams, and farmers in transforming our agricultural landscape to one of soil stability," Professor Pratley said.
"It changes to farming practice and technology, including new approaches to weed, pest and disease management.
"Our understanding of sustainability has changed over time and the book also looks past 2020 to examine the challenges of climate change and the opportunities presented by digital agriculture and automation."
Dr Kirkegaard praised the innovative and resilient spirit of Australian growers and agronomists.
"Farming systems must always evolve to meet emerging challenges, and the book records the success of partnerships between innovative farmers and evidence based agronomy," he said.
"It also demonstrates the optimism, ideas and emerging technologies that, with sufficient support, will meet the challenges of the future."
The 444-page book includes case studies and contributions from 82 research agronomists from acorss Australia. Contacts fo contributors are also included.
The book is free to download via two websites: