Water plan to revolutionise Harvey irrigation - 18 December 2007
Harvey farmers could reduce water use by up to 30 per cent while increasing productivity by up to 50 per cent through an efficiency strategy being developed locally.
South West Agricultural Development Officer Richard Yates, who is helping coordinate the trial of the water efficiency project, said it would bring benefits to farmers and the environment.
“The project will involve installing three irrigation application systems for pasture production that will be measured under local conditions,” he said.
“This will include the use of sub surface irrigation, fixed overhead lateral sprinklers and centre pivot irrigation systems.
“Pasture production measurements will be taken from each of these sites over a three year period and compared to current surface flood irrigation to deliver high validity trial data.
“Based on similar work carried out in other regions of Australia, the three systems being trialled have the potential to deliver 25-30 per cent more water efficiency and productivity increases of 30-50 per cent.”
Mr Yates said the new project would be on show at the Harvey Agricultural College.
“The college will become the premium demonstration site for water use efficiency in the South West and assist it in its goal of becoming a centre of excellence in water use,” he said.
The project is linked with the State Government’s Pinjarra Brunswick Sustainability Strategy and the result of efforts by the Harvey Agricultural College, Harvey Water, Department of Agriculture and Food, South West Development Commission and private irrigation product suppliers Netafim and Waterman.
Funding has also been provided through the Federal Government’s National Water Commission – Community Water Grants Program.
“These systems will require some initial outlay to install,” Mr Yates said.
“But we believe the increase in productivity and decrease in costs will make conversion a viable alternative for irrigators in the Harvey-Waroona region.
“And with the National Program for Water Security offering funds for on-farm improvements in water use technology, these comparisons will be invaluable in helping irrigators assess and make choices”
Mr Yates said the three new systems were expected to be installed at the college before the end of this summer irrigation season and ready for the full scale trial in 2008/09.
…ENDS
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Scott Maclean
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