Desalination for agriculture in the Murray Darling Basin
In the Murray Darling Basin of Australia, where the availability of freshwater is limited, the desalination of brackish groundwater has emerged as a potential solution for agricultural irrigation. Brackish water, which has a high salt concentration, is abundant in the region and can be treated using desalination technology, namely reverse osmosis to remove salt and other minerals from the water to provide a reliable and sustainable source of irrigation water for farmers. Therefore, the development and deployment of desalination technology for treating brackish water is a crucial area of research and innovation for the agricultural sector in the Murray Darling Basin.
By utilising desalinated brackish water, farmers can reduce their reliance on freshwater sources to mitigate the impacts of drought and ensure that their crops receive the necessary water supply for healthy growth and optimal yield even during periods of prolonged drought.
Desalinated brackish water for agricultural irrigation presents an opportunity for farmers to expand their operations and increase their crop yields. By utilising this technology, farmers can expand their irrigated land and cultivate crops that require more water, leading to higher yields and increased profits. Please use our cost calculator to explore how much you can save by implementing a reverse osmosis desalination plant to treat brackish water to provide irrigation for your farm.
For further information related to desalination for agriculture, visit our project website or read the project outputs below.