IN FIELD EVALUATIONS

The IrrimateTM in-field range of equipment and evaluation packages have been used since 2000 to measure how well growers are irrigating. Using this system, irrigators not only know how much water they applied and how much ran off as tailwater but also how to change the way they irrigate to reduce losses.

Results from over 100 IrrimateTM in-field evaluations are shown in Figure 1. This shows an average saving of 0.2 ML/ha/irrigation (ie 1.4 ML/ha for 7 irrigations). This represents a 20 to 30% water saving with an average furrow irrigation operation just by changing how we irrigate. Changes include increasing or decreasing siphon flow rates and setting times to better match the soil infiltration characteristics. Figure 2 shows the potential additional profit available with a 20% water saving.