SMART AUTOMATION OF FURROW IRRIGATION IN THE SUGAR INDUSTRY

FURROW IRRIGATION HAS the advantage of low capital costs and low pumping energy requirements but at a high labour cost. The water use efficiency of furrow irrigation can vary widely and the best performance is only possible through careful management by the farmer. Automation of irrigation systems offers the opportunity to reduce labour costs and ensure that management decisions are made in a timely manner. Following a review of available technologies, automated furrow irrigation systems were installed at three farms in the Burdekin region. The systems have been functional since early 2016 at each site and are already offering significant labour savings for the growers.