R&D update: Irrigation overhaul delivers 25% water savings at City of Stirling Nursery
10 October 2025
10 October 2025
Wasted water = wasted money, time and productivity.
At City of Stirling Nursery, outdated irrigation was holding back production – until supervisor Ross Burnett teamed up with Greenlife Industry Australia’s (GIA) levy-funded extension network to make a change.
With support from his local Extension Officer, Ross attended a Waterwise Workshop run by Nursery & Garden Industry Western Australia (NGIWA) and sponsored by the WA Department of Water. The course unpacked the nuts and bolts of irrigation design, dripper output, line pressure and zoning, giving Ross the tools to rethink how every drop was used.
“Water management isn’t just about saving resources. It’s about ensuring every plant thrives and every drop counts,” Ross said.
The transformation
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After |
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Why it matters to you
- Up to 25% water savings = lower input costs
- Healthier plants = stronger, more saleable stock
- Less stress + disease risk = reduced rework and loss
Practical tips for growers
- Check your drippers – if they’re pushing high volumes past the rootball, you waste water and risk plant stress.
- Measure sprinkler uniformity – anything under 85% means uneven watering and inconsistent plant health.
- Zone your irrigation – tubestock and larger pots need different volumes and timings.
- Track results – healthier, more consistent plants are the best sign your system is working.
Not sure where to start? Contact your local levy-funded GIA Extension Officer for tailored advice and support with APPS best practice standards.
By rethinking irrigation, Ross proved that smart water management delivers efficiency, healthier plants and long-term productivity gains.
Read the case study.
Your levy has funded this success story.
Wondering what else your levy funds? Explore other levy success stories today: https://greenlifeindustry.org.au/your-levy-at-work
