Converting to drip irrigation – A guide for growers

Abstract

Converting to drip irrigation - A guide for growers

Summary

The wine industry in the Riverland would not exist if it wasn’t for irrigation. Over the years irrigation has taken on many forms, from flood irrigation to overhead irrigation to micro sprinkler and drip irrigation. With each practice being an improvement on the previous (generally speaking), the industry has learnt much about the efficient delivery of water to the vines. There have however been concerns, in recent times, that in the pursuit of efficiency, the broader practicalities of delivery (to the vine) were being lost. To this end, it was decided that a review of drip irrigation systems within the Riverland would be of great benefit not only to determine if system design and performance was suitable to both soil and plant requirements but also, to develop some basic guidelines for those wishing to convert to drip irrigation.

The team from the Irrigated Crop Management Service (ICMS) based in Loxton, South Australia were commissioned to investigate 5 drip irrigation systems within the region, as selected by Mr. Shane Phillips – a member of the Riverland Viticulture Technical Group. The findings of this investigation were collated and with discussion, combined to make a report aptly named ‘A Review of Drip Irrigation Systems in the Riverland’’.

Initially the project had set out to produce a ‘Guide to Drip Conversion’ but it became apparent throughout the course of the investigation that conducting a thorough review of drip irrigation systems, that were already in the ground, was of greater importance to the region. Resources as such were directed towards this cause. To the credit of both Mr. Phillips and ICMS the final report fulfilled the requirements of project objectives and effectively nullified the need for the Guide perse.

The report identifies a number of issues of relevance to all drip irrigation systems and includes information on crop water requirement, understanding soils, system capacity, flexibility, design and maintenance – making it essential reading for irrigators. The Riverland wine industry, in its continued drive towards a sustainable future, understands the need to review not only its systems but its practices to ensure that they are in harmony with the environment, society and economic viability. Projects such as these allow the industry to acquire knowledge, build capacity and foster an ability to respond to the dynamic nature of the environment in which it operates.