High Flow
Evaluation of High Flow Surface Irrigation Within The Murray Dairy Region
Gravity fed, low energy use surface irrigation will continue to be the major form of irrigation in the Murray Dairy region, yet there is no scientific understanding of the benefits of high flow irrigation.
This project will therefore:
- undertake field studies and detailed monitoring of irrigation events;
- complete a cost benefit analysis for each of the field sites/host farms comparing any benefits of improved drymatter production and improved water use efficiency against the costs of undertaking the farm system upgrade and any required changes to farm water management;
- prepare case study reports for each site investigation;
- prepare farm/industry flow rate guidelines;
- evaluate the suitability of producing a simple tool that individual farmers or their advisers could use to evaluate the efficiency of current farm systems to identify what changes are appropriate; and
- engage and inform water supply authorities modernising district supply infrastructure and government bodies currently providing funding for farm irrigation efficiency works.