In this edition of WaterWheel you will find a supplement detailing the research and development projects being undertaken through NPIRD. The projects address priority areas of:* technology adoption and education; * drainage, nutrients, salinity and pesticides; * water supply systems; * conjunctive water use; *infrastructure refurbishment.

A list of research priorities national R&D component of the Defeating the Weed Menace programme,

An introduction to the South Australian native pasture project, which sets out the objectives, outcomes, proposed methods and contact details.

Final report on Project MIL1 : Objectives 1. To develop a practical set of hydraulic performance indicators for a gravity fed irrigation system which could be applied nationally and internationally; 2. To evaluate the econo mic benefits of the hydraulic performance indicators; 3. To evaluate different options to improve hydraulic performance; 4. To develop incentives to encourage both water managers and irrigators to achieve optimum irrigation and drainage efficiency and minimise impacts on streams and aquifers.

This Research Bulletin describes the process of undertaking an extensive field sampling program, to understand if there has been a loss of biodiversity, and the risk of algal blooms.

Lying between the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans, Australia's climate-in particular its rainfall-is difficult to predict reliably and accurately, driven as it is by the interplay of a complex set of systems known as climate drivers.

In this issue: REPAIR OPTIONS FOR CONCRETE-LINED CHANNELS: RIVER POLLUTION WITH AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS

Recent research suggests that another factor that affects bloom formation is the management of flows in both rivers and water storage areas. Rivers rarely experience algal bloom outbreaks during periods of high flow. This means that new approaches to manipulating the flow of rivers and water reservoirs may hold the key to preventing algal blooms, saving millions of dollars in water treatment costs and environmental damage caused by algal bloom outbreaks

How riparian land should be used and managed is often viewed differently by divergent groups. What is recognised by all is the diversity of environmental and economic benefits provided by riparian lands. Managing Riparian Lands for Multiple Uses 'draws together information from four research and development programs, each with a different 'view' about riparian land management...to bring together recent findings, and show how they can be used to improve on-ground management.' (RipRap, edn 23 p.3)