Proposal - assay halophyte crop potential

Last changed: 2019/11/15 11:42 

SITUATION

Project Name: Assay halophyte crop potential

Initiated By: Rory

Submission date: 23 AUG 2016

Approved: 29SEP2016, at AGM

Background: Most of Australia is affected by or vulnerable to salinity or desertification. Australian native bush foods exist that can thrive under highly saline conditions, potenially including irrigation with seawater. I think we should test four candidates - Muntries, Beaded Samphire, Warrigal Greens and Sea Parsley to see if they will grow under highly saline conditions.

Summary of proposed changes: Greenhouse propagation of the above plants

How will this proposal advance the objectives of the Association? We will know if the plants assayed have potential to grow in saline water, such as on farmland degraded by salinity, or perhaps floating at sea.

What direct or indirect conflicts of interest does the initiating member or any other member have in this proposal? nil

Will or might this proposal lead to the Association trading while insolvent? No, no debt will be incurred

What are the proposal's effects on other legal, reputational or financial risks? nil

TIMINGS

What date would the proposed project begin? 25AUG2016

What date would it be in useful operation? 23SEP2016

What date would it be retired? 30AUG2017

RESOURCES

  • Greenhouse
    • Donated by Rory
  • Seawater
    • Donated by Rory
  • Pots and soil
    • Donated by Rory
  • Seeds: Muntries, Beaded Samphire and Warrigal Greens
    • Donated by Rory
  • Labour - establishment
    • Yes, sourced internally
  • Labour - watering
    • Yes, sourced internally

Labour - writeup

    • Yes, sourced internally

Labour - harvesting and preparing

    • Yes, sourced internally

Labour - palatibility testing

    • Yes, sourced internally

What planned activities will the project require?

  • Setting up the greenhouse, including seawater
  • Potting and planting seeds
  • Watering every second day for the first month, then twice per week
  • Documenting progress weekly
  • writing small report when crop plants reach edible size
  • harvesting / preparing crop plants
  • eating ("palatability testing") said plants.

What contingent activities will the project require?

None

METHOD

Step by step plan, with contingencies, and operating instructions

OUTCOMES

What resources and knowledge will the project produce?