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Improving Irrigation Efficiency in the Australian Cotton Industry

Improving Irrigation Efficiency in the Australian Cotton Industry. A Grower Led Approach. Background. Limited and variable water availability Growers looking to improve production per mega litre Furrow/siphon the most commonly utilised system No commercial comparisons of alternatives.

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Improving Irrigation Efficiency in the Australian Cotton Industry

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  1. Improving Irrigation Efficiency in the Australian Cotton Industry A Grower Led Approach

  2. Background • Limited and variable water availability • Growers looking to improve production per mega litre • Furrow/siphon the most commonly utilised system • No commercial comparisons of alternatives

  3. Funding • A grower led project to investigate irrigation efficiency alternatives • Initial funding from the National Water Commission • Project to run from 2008-2012 • Additional funding through the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) • Project to run from 2012-2015

  4. The Grower Led Approach • Working with innovative irrigators in the Gwydir Valley • Quantify water efficient irrigation practices on a commercial basis • Practical approach to irrigation • Commercial observations and information • Flexibility to allow the project to evolve overtime • Investigation of energy and labour requirements needed for adoption.

  5. Trial Program Components

  6. Bankless Channel Drip Overhead Lateral Move Furrow/siphon

  7. Keytah Trial Details Storage Bankless Channel 32.53ha Furrow/syphon 85.69ha • 4 systems • Drip • Bankless Channel • Lateral Move • Furrow / Syphon Drip 11.43ha Lateral (Lateral 1) 122.95ha Lateral (Lateral 3) 122.99ha N

  8. Focus of the Current 2013/2014 Season • Objective was to add to the grower information package. • Project expanded to capture management data and practical information on resourcing the individual systems • Labour • Energy and • Water • Further investment in tools to aid in water monitoring. • Seasonal challenges with hot, dry conditions and very little in crop rainfall

  9. Grower Considerations • Soil type • Topography • Water reliability • Financial capital • Operation and maintenance commitments • Crop type

  10. Initial Input Comparisons Operating Labour Time (hrsp.a.)

  11. Initial Input Comparisons Operating Energy Cost

  12. Initial Input Comparisons Total Operating Costs

  13. Grand Total Cost of Operating, Maintenance, Ownership

  14. Achievements • Demonstrated that the grower led approach is • Practical • Realistic extension model for industry because it can adapt to grower needs and address questions as they become apparent. • Developed a case study which is relevant for growers. • Broad communication and extension activities continue to improve the understanding of the alternative irrigation systems for growers • Irrigators in the cotton industry have started adopting to alternative irrigation systems. • We are currently undergoing a strategic review to determine the most practical way forward to address grower needs.

  15. Thank You

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