One of the participating farmers, Kevin Moir has had Topoclimate temperature dataloggers on his property for fifteen months (see Map 1 for location of loggers) and TSPL have now produced some preliminary microclimate maps based on this data.

The full year’s temperature data was statistically compared against temperature records at the long-term Weather Station at Bridgetown and a long term (30 year) temperature pattern produced for each logger site. This had the effect of taking out the seasonal variability of temperature patterns and identifying the long term temperature patterns and microclimates across the property.

Long-term annual accumulated heat maps have been produced at 10° C (Map 2) and 4° C (Map 3) base temperatures. These Base temperatures reflect the trigger points for pasture growth (4° C) and for a range of commonly grown temperate crops such as corn, and grapes (10° C).

Frost frequency (Map 4) and maximum frost severity (Map 5) maps were also produced from the data for the other critical climatic element effecting plant growth.

" I’m surprised and fascinated by the fact that there is such a range of total accumulated heat (up to 25% difference) across the property between the warmest and coldest parts of the farm and also that these two points are only 500 metres apart" commented Kevin Moir on examining the maps.

" Also, its interesting to see the range of frost intensities from -4° to -10° C across my 600 ha property and the range of expected frequency of frosts (from 20 to 70+ days). This will be valuable information in sorting out pasture species and places for alternative crops on my property."

Once I also have better information on my soils, water resources and salinity patterns, I’m going to be in a much stronger position to make better decisions on future directions for my farm" he said.

Topoclimate press Release.