Farmers can now look across a virtual fenceline to see what is happening on their neighbours' properties thanks to new web-linked technology which provides real-time information on drainage under different land management practices.

The 'Across the Fenceline' project will help farmers tackle dryland salinity and develop sustainable agricultural practices through an innovative mix of automated monitoring and community education.

Project leader Dr Paul Hutchison from CSIRO Land and Water said the idea grew from a discussion at a field day with farmers, when they reminded him that farms don't always behave the same way as research plots.

Seeking better on-farm solutions, the project team has developed a relatively inexpensive Drainage Meter that can remotely monitor deep drainage and relay the data direct to farmers.

These instruments are installed in strategic locations, usually across a fenceline that separates two land use practices. Local farmers and advisors visit the sites to compare the results, which are also sent directly to the Across the Fenceline website.

"At present we are monitoring an annual cropping system, an improved perennial pasture system and a best practice phase farming system, on a range of representative soil types," Dr Hutchinson said.

The five participating farms are all situated near Harden in New South Wales and have become the regional focal point for farmers and advisors to meet with researchers to discuss water use efficiency, crop rotations and management options - providing possible solutions to the rising water tables, salinity and water quality.

Dr Hutchinson said, "In the real world, the only solutions which count are those that farmers choose to implement. By looking across the fenceline and talking to other growers, farmers have more information available to develop land management strategies that work for them."

"The process of conducting work in real commercial situations rather than trial plots is helping the learning process and technology uptake. The website allows a wide range of participants to become involved, and it also provides other farmers throughout Australia with the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of all our management options."

Louise Hufton, Harden Murrumburrah Landcare Group Coordinator, said the project has given farmers a greater understanding of management options.

"I would encourage all farmers and advisors to have a look at the site and use it as a tool to understand water movements and uptake likely on their own farms," she said.

Across the Fenceline is a joint project between CSIRO, the Harden Murrumburrah Landcare Group and the Grains Research & Development Corporation, with assistance from the Natural Heritage Trust.

Visit the website: www.clw.csiro.au/fenceline/