In late 2022, winter-fill irrigation water was auctioned by Southern Rural Water (SRW) to landholders along the Tambo River. Each property that bought water triggered the requirement for irrigation development guidelines (IDGs). As part of the IDG process SRW, the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) and Agriculture Victoria worked [...]
The Agriculture Victoria Irrigation team in Maffra, with assistance from the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA), developed and delivered an irrigation basics workshop to 19 dairy staff. The workshop was hosted at the Macalister Demonstration Farm (MDF) in March 2023, allowing a hands-on learning experience for the staff. A [...]
An on-ground works incentive project facilitated by Maffra’s Agriculture Victoria Irrigation team faced a unique set of challenges. The owner of the dairy farm was based internationally for the entire duration of the team’s consultation on the irrigation upgrades. This required clear and concise communication with the property owner via [...]
The Agriculture Victoria irrigation team were recently contacted by a couple who had just purchased 40 acres at Dawson, Victoria. They were completely new to farming and wanted to develop their business model with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. They were particularly interested in advice on pasture and tree [...]
The Maffra Agriculture Victoria irrigation extension team conducted a farm walk at a dairy farm near Sale in March of 2023. Local irrigators were afforded the opportunity to see a long-term installation of sub-surface drip irrigation under lucerne. Context in the MID Sub-surface drip irrigation is a network of pipes [...]
There are two basic injection methods used to apply fertigation in drip irrigation systems: pressure differential and injection pumps. Many factors will influence which system suits your needs best and can be dependent on your management style, skill level, farm size, layout, costs, power supply, or crop sensitivity. In this [...]
Fertigation is the application of soluble fertilisers and micronutrients to crops through an irrigation system, and drip irrigation systems are highly suited to support this process, generally used to supply the crop's nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium needs. Advantages Disadvantages - Less volatilisation as fertiliser is applied directly to [...]
Filtration is an essential component of some irrigation methods and a crucial part of drip irrigation systems. Besides being an expensive investment at first, it pays off by: Reducing debris and other contaminates entering the system. Avoiding blockages. Extending the life of the system. Lowering labour costs and work time. [...]
Irrigation systems, in particular drip irrigation, will only operate properly if well maintained. By regularly monitoring and maintaining its components we can reduce blockages, deterioration of drippers, pressure irregularities, and impacts on tree health and yields. Here we highlight some management techniques that will help irrigators to retain maximum benefits [...]
Drip irrigation systems use small-diameter tubes placed above or below the soil's surface. These systems are generally used in orchards, vineyards, or high-valued vegetable crops. Here we are going to highlight some aspects to consider when planning a drip irrigation system. Water quality Regardless of the irrigation method, all irrigators [...]
