Extensive water quality monitoring data shows it is the first few rainfall or irrigation events that sees the highest concentrations and loads of nitrogen and pesticides enter waterways. But this high-risk period can be managed.

Fertiliser is essential to promote crop health and productivity but is at risk of running off the paddock. Growers use innovative methods to improve soil health while managing the timing, rate, placement, and product selection of fertiliser.

Extensive monitoring shows certain pesticides are often found in coastal waterways, sometimes at levels that exceed ecosystem protection guidelines. But there are year-to-year improvements based on actions from growers.

Typically, about 20% of applied furrow irrigation water runs off the paddock. But monitoring results show that growers who adopt improved irrigation practices can halve water loss.