Waterlogging and poor irrigation uniformity can limit the yield potential of border-check irrigation systems. In northern Victoria where border-check is the main irrigation system used, soils have very low infiltration rates. As a result, excess water applied to an irrigation bay drains very slowly to the foot of the bay. […]
Agricultural research economists, Janine Powell and Jon Welsh (both AgEcon) share their findings about how and when incorporating renewable energy technologies and irrigation storage stack up.
Janine and Jon first began investigating the feasibility of renewable energy and irrigation in 2014 during the Department of Agricultures’ Carbon Farming Futures program and […]
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, […]
