Peter Smith, an irrigation officer with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, says the supplementary information provides both practical advice and technical information.

"Water is the major limiting factor of cotton production in Australia and efficient water management is paramount for cotton growers to achieve high yields and profits," Mr Smith says.

"Growers who irrigate grain face the same challenges of finding a balance between the higher costs of improved water use efficiency and environmental stewardship and the maintenance of farm profits.

"WATERpak is designed to help irrigators improve irrigation practices, minimise environmental impacts and increase farm profits from irrigated crops.

"Specific grains information has been added to several existing chapters of WATERpak. Chapters have also been added to cover issues such as how canola, barley, soybeans and pulses fit into rotations in irrigated farming systems and managing diseases in irrigated wheat systems."

Chairman of GRDC's northern region panel, James Clark, says many growers are planting grain this year instead of cotton.

"With limited water availability in many areas and strong prices for grain, it's a logical option," Mr Clark says.

The grain supplements are being mailed to cotton growers who have a copy of WATERpak, and can also be found through the Cotton and Grains Irrigation Knowledge Management project at www.cottonandgrains.irrigationfut ures.org.au