Irrigating Agriculture

Topic: irrigation technology

published - 16 April 2019
By Rabi Maskey
Should I install a pipe and riser or an open channel irrigation system?

Recently there has been increased interest in pipe and riser system with the roll out of programs like Farm Water. Upgrading farm irrigation supply channels to pipes and risers can potentially improve the efficiency of water use on farm through lower seepage and evaporation losses.
Pipes vs channels
Irrigators need to examine …
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Farm Planning, Home, Irrigation Systems, Resources

published - 4 October 2018
By Nick O'Halloran
Renewables and Irrigation Webinar – What works and when? On and off grid systems

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 …
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Home, Irrigation Systems, Resources

published - 10 September 2018
The design of a Centre Pivot or Lateral Move irrigator

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 …
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Home, Irrigation Systems, Resources

published - 17 August 2018
Planning a Centre Pivot or Lateral Move system

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 …
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Home, Irrigation Systems, Resources

published - 27 July 2018
By Jeremy Giddings
Aspects to consider when choosing an irrigation system for horticulture

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, …
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Farm Planning, Home, Irrigation Systems, Resources

published - 20 July 2018
By Jeremy Giddings
Variable speed drives — an energy saving option for irrigated horticulture

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 …
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Home, Irrigation Systems, Resources

published - 2 July 2018
By Rob O'Connor
Using soil moisture information to schedule irrigations

As part of the Accelerating Change project in Northern Victoria, various soil moisture monitoring (SMM) devices were used over the last 3 years under surface irrigated pasture and other forages on farm to assist with improved irrigation timing.
Key learnings
SMM provides objective and useful information for irrigation scheduling and reduces the …
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Home, Irrigation Scheduling, Resources

published - 7 February 2018
By Rob O'Connor
What to know about Soil Moisture Monitoring

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 …
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Home, Irrigation Scheduling, Irrigation Systems, Resources