It is set to be a term of great discoveries in Agricultural Science this term with the Year 12 students starting their very own extended agricultural investigations. Some topics the students have chosen to investigate include ‘Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi application rates and its effect on corn growth’, ‘The effect of auxins on plants geotropism ability’ and ‘Correcting iron deficiency in hydroponic lettuce using foliar applications of chelated iron sulfate.’ With 16 different independent investigations, it is set to be a massive term of student directed discovery for the Year 12s!

Year 10s are researching the roles of drones, robotics and imagery technology in Australian agriculture and also how this technology can also be used to benefit developing nations. They were treated to a special guest visit and demonstration by Mr and Mrs Roy from Aerobugs, who spoke about drone applications in agriculture and integrated pest management. Students got to see the drone that Mr Roy himself built, in action, and be intrigued by its use to spread beneficial insects to reduce insecticide use!

Year 11 students are taking on agricultural technology and plant growth investigations in combination. They are looking to see how different fertiliser rates affect pasture growth in the field and investigate to see if plant health variations can be detected using drone mounted NDVI technology.

Modern agriculture is certainly very different to agriculture from just 10 years ago, and this rapid change is likely the reason the agricultural sector has the fastest growing employment opportunities. These Agricultural Science students will definitely have a massive range of agricultural career opportunities to choose from in the future!

Jade King, Head of Agricultural Science