Due to the dry conditions experienced in the Macalister Irrigation District (MID), irrigation has started earlier, and perhaps may finish later than normal, so it is important to ensure your system is operating as efficiently as possible.
This will maximise the amount of grass or pasture you can grow and reduce […]
System design can vary greatly for Centre Pivot or Lateral Move (CPLM) irrigation systems. Variations in design can have a large effect on capital and operating costs. Paddock shape, soil type, local climate, crops to be grown and power source will all influence design requirements. Understanding these design requirements for […]
When planning a Centre Pivot or Lateral Move (CPLM) system the following aspects need to be considered at the planning stage:
Physical location (area, shape, topography, soil type)
Water supply (flow rate, supply location, quality and quantity)
Irrigable area (area to be developed, system capacity)
Land area: A typical centre pivot system has a […]
Centre Pivot and Lateral Move (CPLM) irrigation systems have many advantages over surface irrigation systems. However careful consideration regarding system design, as well as adequate system maintenance and management, is essential to achieving these benefits. The following points need to be considered when installing CPLM systems:
Advantages and disadvantages of […]
Irrigation system selection is an important aspect of setting up or upgrading horticultural enterprises. There are many different types of irrigation systems available, and in many cases there is no single best solution for any given situation.
Each irrigation system type has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation, […]
A variable speed drive (VSD) is used to adjust a pump’s flow or pressure to the field requirements (actual demand). Adopting VSDs in irrigation was historically for operational reasons such as providing constant pressure outputs, ‘soft starts’, or reducing pump wear. More recently, as energy prices continue to rise, the […]
Irrigation systems only operate well if properly maintained. This is especially important for drip irrigation, as it is difficult to detect problems before crop health problems become obvious.
The most common problems with drip irrigation are:
emitter clogging
dripper component deterioration
system pressure mismanagement.
Regular maintenance and monitoring is the best way to identify and […]
Drip irrigation is a popular method of water application for citrus growers, for both: new developments and converting established plantings. Converting mature citrus trees to drip irrigation creates a series of challenges that can be overcome if appropriate management practices are adopted.
Where an established orchard is converted to drip, […]
Soil Moisture Monitoring (SMM) devices provide information about the water status of soil. This information can be used to help you achieve top yields and maximise productivity from your water by being better able to plan when to irrigate and apply the right amount of water. SMM devices provide an […]
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land for the purpose of agricultural production. Effective irrigation will influence the entire growth process from seedbed preparation, germination, root growth, nutrient utilisation, plant growth and regrowth, yield and quality.
The key to maximising irrigation efforts is uniformity. The producer has a lot […]
