Irrigation Management

What is irrigation scheduling and why is it so important?

Irrigation scheduling is simply the practice of matching the application and frequency of irrigation to the plant water needs. Correct Irrigation Scheduling takes into account numerous factors which are currently affecting plant growth and performance; the variable factors include temperature, solar radiation, plant growth stage, soil type, rainfall and evaporation. Assessing these variables in conjunction with plant knowledge and soil structure will ensure that the right amount of water is applied at the right time.

Irrigation scheduling is very important, correct scheduling not only allows the right amount of water at the right time but it ensures that the crop performance is not duly affected due to a lack of or too much water. A lack of water will slow crop growth which will in turn reduce yields and quality of the produce harvested. Using the right amount of water will reduce input costs such as water, fertilisers and energy whilst still producing the maximum performance of the crop. Excess water application is of no benefit, it has the potential to leach through the soil profile taking valuable fertilisers and nutrient with it below the active crop root zone, it can also cause problems with crop slowdown due to water logging, not to mention the economics of paying for additional water and pumping costs.

What is the best way to improve irrigation scheduling?

The best way to improve scheduling is to seek help, help can be provided by consultants and/or equipment placed in the field. There are many different types of equipment which can assist in determining when to irrigate and how long for. This equipment with correct use will take the guesswork out of irrigation scheduling and ensure that the irrigator is provided with enough information to provide accurate decisions. These tools are imperative to help understand exactly what is happening in the field and how the crop is reacting to those changes in weather and soil moisture content.

Is it worth spending money on irrigation scheduling?

The equipment used to assist irrigators make decisions on irrigation scheduling soon pays for itself. Quite often a lot of equipment is not required, a few simple sensors or tools can be adequate for whole fields, farms and landscapes.

Even minor gains in crop perfromance, yield and productivity will allow the cost of equipment to be recovered in a relatively short period of time, in most scenarios a system investment with correct advice will pay for itself in 1 or 2 yrs with many more years to come.