technical report wrd85041this article exp~ains the pere~nial plant water ~eeds and the method...

Technical Report WRD85041

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1985

"IRRIGATION IN THE NORTHERN

TERRITORY FOR HOME fu~D SEMI

COMMERCIAL GARDENS"

A SERIES OF EIGHT ARTICLES

E I KILP!,TRICK TECHNICAL OFFICER WATER RESOURCES DIVISION DEPARTME:JT OF NINES AND ENERGY ALICE SPRINGS

PAW A Ldjkf\RY DARWIN


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A SERI~S OF EIG~T A~TICTES

198 S - - "-LP'-R-C'~ 1. . .:... J\l .. 1-..':' 1:\)

T[ ~""-CA' or--c--,-,:-:~\l.L : l .r:...~'\,

"AT-R R-C;O"~~-~ ~C"-~CON 1,',' •• ..:... •• .;,..~ U.'"\l..L~, 0':' \/J..,-,';" ~',

D[?ART~::::NT or /CINES AND ENI:RGY, "'.Llcr S?RJNbS.

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P~:;'VAN':'AGZS OF IRRIG.L.TIJX

70 Twe+! +~~ appe+~~e -onsida~ - '"' .. ~.... 1.- _ , '- •• _ '-_

these advantages that can be obtained by i;stalling an i~~:Ca+l'or ~~~~~~m' _-'.'.l.'-o '- '.1 _-'-'-'o.!.~··-

yc~ have a greater chance of getting a jetter cro~ or ~asture. - -Here i;:-:tensive m2:-l2geDeT'lt levels can be t:tilized .

Uptake of fertiliseY's becomes mer's efficient when soils are Doist.

Soil-active weedicides become more active when soils are moist.

With irrigation you can gro~ crops ou~ of season) i~creasing far~ fi Q..-";;'~ i ; -:- .. __ ,-A_,-,_ ... __ y.


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AUTHORTS BACKGROUND

Mr. I.I. Kilpa~rick is a Tech~ica~ Of~icer WiTh the Water Reso~~ces Division, Alice SD~in~s and ~ol~s the Advanced Cer~~ficate i~ :~rigatio~ f~om i~e Mcrru~bidgee Colleee (-·,f Ucrrl'""L.l-:-'1l' ... ·e 1'.1 S ;,1 -'- r. o _'- _1.'-_ , .\ • • ".

freit far~er O~ t~e and came to the Te~~i~orv

~is i~volve~ent l~ the !~.T. has ~ai~lv ~ee~ in The TOD E~d.

Doc :\i ce

first with Ter~itcry ~ice Ltd. 2S Irriga~io~ Officer, t~en with Gu~teridge, ~aski~s g Davey as InstruDentman w~en laying out the 2200 hectare rlce block and later as one of the ~o~r Driva~E far~ers of Rice Developse~t Ptv. Ltd. who

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:05~-78 Ee was a~ officer ~ith Crop Sec:icn of :~e Agric~ltural 5ranc~ of N.T.A. ?irs~ as Rice Eil:er and ~ic~ .Re~earCh I i~f~ice~, t~e~ i~ 1972 as ~12ize ~esearc~ a~d lrr~ga:lo~ ~i~f~cer. A~ter the cyc:one te ob~ai~e~ his A~vanced Certificate

1972 ~oved to Alice S?~l~gS ~n~o his p~ese~~ ~csition. I I I I I I I I I I I


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OUTLINE PROJECT 4017

"IR?IGATION D THE NORTE:::R?l TERITORY, fOR HOME AND Srl-:I COMMERCIAL GARDENS"

Introduction

This is 2 se~ies of eig~~ ar~icles, each shoul~ be com~lete in itse:f. There is repe~ition, however only one 2~ticle goes ~nto de~ail fo~ each subject.

The aim of these use of water~ by si7Tiple langc..:age.

a~ticles is to promote more efficient 1 •• ~ •. •

e%p~aln2~g lrrlg2t~on concepts lD

r.-"[1r::> ~~ \T F " ,1'\ mo+;""'o'" 0_= e-~l·""-+:ng D'" -.,....,-'- T:"'a~e~ u-e ='-, ~" .;.1 _ u.:,<._ .r' .• V4 .l._ ... ~. '- ;:::\... l~\o.,-_l ~ .LCi,\.. w l..;,.. ~ ~ __

~~o t:o-t~e~n ~Q~~:+~~V l'c :-~~~~uce~ ~lhe "-~Q~ ~,oo~s 1... ....... " _ ~l - ___ ':" __ '-'';'~ ...... ..!..'::'-_'-''- u. Wo.l... ..... _ "'""'-'-

of annual crODS has not been exulained. Thi,$ info~mation 'viGuld be llseful for corr: .... rn2rci,2l gro,. ... rers. The F. A. O. r:.ethod uses a Derennial green g~ass refere~ce crop rrulti~lied by a sp~cific c~op factor fer each type of-ann~al-c~op.

:J'" -'r'1+ a.",..,"'T- ..... 'n r--,.-. ..... o,-,s 'T"S"';'" -i-- c - n" e -a"ded 'T'h.:;:. ---y'>,-" •• ...;...;-., C""C' ~ ~...:...cu._ O.:....; .... L. 0.,-,- _ ""_ I.. \.._i_~" c." • _ •• ~ 6_,-,It'LU y __ :c ~~,!ia'Q~ ;n-~ De~:~a'- -'-n+~~- a"-t~ -na' '=~a-~ ,..,,: ...;...·ne ..J.. ..... '-'~ - '-"': - '--' ~ _ ...:., ..... ~. :'_=- I..-'-~.l=:' c '- c. _ --_'oL~,;. 'V...:. L.

ini~ial g~o~th period,planT development ~id SE2S0~ and -cnen the n2:::-,vEs-: date is ::ee:d.e::. ;;02T:e 2:-:0 semi-coIi'"---::.erci=.l growers would ~ct need to go into this amount of deTail ~o use wa-:er reasonably ef~~ciently.

.Art icle No

t1~,'.later Use for Pere~~ial Green Grass Cro~s in N,":",11

This article exp~ains the pere~nial plant water ~eeds and the method deve~oped to esti~ate it by the U.N.F.A:O.

The article is confine~ to peren~ial crops and does net go in~o the more cc~plex method of estimating the wEter use of annual crops that start as a see~ and slow~y develop to maturity. There are TWO references.

}

.t:crticle No 2:

. - ~. . d··· ..... · ~ '. ThlS artlc~e ~ntrOGuces ~lP ~rrlga~~o~ 2n~ co~p2~e5 ~TS efficiency with the more conven~ional methods of irrigation. :~ explains many advantages and disadvantages of the drip irrigation system.


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P,rticleNo.): l(}..r ;2:::

"Dri~Jrri£ation - I~st~~2~ions ~or I~s:21:i~g a~ Ef!icien: ~, \. stern It

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Explains a ste~ ~y step ~etho~ o~ ~nsta:lin[ and ope~ating I =< (~rl'p irrl·'-~-I-l'on S'1cte""'" 7_ "":'-a"': .,':_'- t'1..- "" --.:" : r~ _ _ ~_ ... _" j'-" .1 .• ..:. ... ~C _5 h''':''l.J' jle ,-"perc.I.._,-,f'. o_ s se~i-auto~aTic dial up sysTe~ that S~utS off when a set volume of wate~ ~as jeen appl~ed as well as The fGlly auto-matic systen that applies 2 set a~oL~t o! W2~er daily. I Article No ": f"u-.r31 ~ 3':? lIposi lior:i~g l)rippers en Your Garde:l lT

Ir~ig2ted native plants can be ~~vi~e~ 2~~O --+~-~~l-S' one- t~-~ con -'[-r~ - --~':oc' -: < ___ CI_O:-'~'_'~ <::. 'J;:;' •• Cc. C ~:::. !'..l c ~'e: ..... "~'_

5~)il (g~ow in rivers), and ~~ants that ~il: -- wall d--l"aO' r'O"Ds' '~'j! ... ..:. oLe j! ........... ~ ...... ).

T~,,',2 ve::--y broad "2~o-rl· or~~d· .... -~. c~t:::

no;: (0:-.1 y g,,"o'w

Dri~oers shoLld be soo~ moved ~o a position O~ ~ ~ from the t~ee bc~~,as ~h~? all?~s the anchor ::-'COT TO je more ef~ectlve. l'he T~ee b~~~ lS the~ i~ d::-,y stable scil co~ditions.

can be o~t2ir-;ed c::-,ippe::-'s as the ' .... ·ater

h,!-ticle No S: [o..r 39 to 4 3, nCons€:::-'v€ h\~,-:er ar;d Save I<o:1ev - ?lar: the :"'andscaping f..ro'J:ld -~'our Ga~d.en II

Use Plants for a s~~ilar ra~n~2~: and clinate - t~e choice is large. Once t~ey 2::--e established, rainfall is all that is needed. M~lch is very i~?ortant; leaves and branches s~ould be kent and culche~ -:0 ~rotect the soil. A ~otor , . rno~er or s~redding maC~l~e ca~ be use~ ~o make Duleh tidy.

I~il wa:er s~orage roc~ dept~ a~d ~he amou~t of wa:er reGuired ~or lawn irrigatio~ is ~iscussed. Sprink:er p::-,ess~~e and 2pacing using the Ke~ Zealand sta~darc to ca:cu:a~e overlap ~--,E'O ui.red.

Water Needs a~e calculated by ~~e ?A.O method. four references lis~ed.

There cY'e

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AY'ticle No 7:

"Save \.Jater by Inproving i~ater Distribution" Firstly Lawn Eose Sprinklers and Secondly Flood Ir~igation for Citrus

Application ratE anc spacing of lai,-;n hose sprinklers can be founa cy catching the water applied by a sprinkler in a line of parallel sided tins. Time the application of 50 :nm caught in a tin, then set a~ alarm clock for each future move. Provide ove~12p so that tins catching only 25 ~" will have 50 mm after the adjacent move .

. Flood ~~~i~a~o Cl'~~US ~~~ ~ppl-y- ·ha ~or~ec- -~ount o.f __ _ -5 _'- ~_ ....... '-'.... - L,"- ~ _ L C."l ••

·water afLer ti.:r.i:->g the hose flo~~ rEte. A SO ;-n:n of ' .. later eauals 50 L m2 , Use a soil auger prebe to check ~he deeth of water penetration.

Article No 8: ('()...~ 0 S -:t:, 61-!fPC-SiT, Irrigation!1

This system can be used for establishing trees, shrubs O~ grasses using many and varied me~hods. Water harvesting may be incor?orated ~~to the systeD. Rice is the cain 'a""oe ·""8- c""o~ 01"""'"7". "T':.J...)-, ~"""~Sl·n ':..,...y,~G~.J...":on SO"1'T''''';''';''''''es .:.. _ ~ c::l~ C. _ .i-', b ,-,'1\ •• 1" • ...;.. :...,.:....c ~ . ...:... ___ ~~:.....;,.. J~:<:::: l.._JH ,

pastures are grown with this sys~em too, when uS2ng very low water infiltration soils.


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o 0,

'.JC·' l' -lRRIC"T'("" ("[R'I~'- [I('''~ ARl-~'-C;) ,_ ,:;,,-\ ~ ), ~'~ '-' ,~: v'~ .... -::"1 "" l' ... -,L~_

I~~Tr=;ODUCTICI'~

~here are many methods of es~ima~i~g cro~ w2te~ needs and each

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one ~equires di~fere~t clinatic ~ata. Plants nee~ increasing I -~lr-l'·-''''''~ r::f L'2te~ 25 ~'no" deve'o'l) ~"""on- -eodl :':'"IO's to -he :ru; .... ..;rg di",)_..(j.'~~ .'_"-' _ ,~~\ J.. ,'" ..:. .. I., ~ ~ __ "",:, I".,.!. ..1.1,. __ 1

3taee ~hen weter ~se mav re~ain steEdv until maturity. If too~~uch waTer is appli~d, SODe nu~ri~~ts wi~l be le~ched below tne roct zone. Insufficient water will cause Dla~t s~ress I and ~esulT in fruit a~d vegetables o~ poor qual~ty.

<:: • ! I· >+- ,::, T"'", ~':>' .• __ , of ~ .... lc. ~ er has t:-~ese

I ~I Allows water TO je a~~lie~ before D1a~: growt~ stops, I f b) ~eJ c"tes t:-:E; area. that can be e:fec~ivel~'/ 'irrigated- tO~ {fl~I'

1wa~er supp:y available.

(c) The peak water ~se ?eriod is ~eeded whe~ desig~i~g ~he ~apacity of t~e i~r~gation sys~e~.

well as using a~ es~i~atin2 ~ethod~ it is wise to use e I

2hcvel or 2u~e~ TC s~Tple t~e soi: in t~e ~~a~T roo~ zone and I ~est it for mo~s~~re ~iTh yo~r f~~2e~s. A :oa~y soil sqceezed be7wee~ the fi~gers will s~ick WhE~ wet b~t when dry wil: C~--'l.~;;-,:Jle. >'lcis~ 50:1 is :::arke~ in colour. .f;., sar:cy so:~ J ~ --~....., "" : . .,....::: c",' -.-."; ,:, Y' ""' r ~ ""' C -I _.! -.....,. I a ~ p <=0 - Y' - •• .=:0 ..;... - e r ~ h - ~ a 1 ~ 2"" :::.~_~/,-.c.!. ... , ... .l.~_ c..l,- c. _0., :='v __ ,f-i ~c_:::; '1\'_:"'_ ' ... Col _',-, ,; .•

:....l " ·'-'r· 'DV '-,-~,"': .J..<=os-: - ~c' b~er"'i:"",:;r \,,'-"'-'- p'an";"'- "",,,, ino'ica*-io ,~o".e'vt::"_,' 1,0.0: __ ~~ L-'-f'.~ a), 0 ~ V_ •• _, v'_. _ _~ lL..:. __ , _ L_ ,

'-,{ ll-to~ s:'",.o-- ··ou r'; II l.o-"'n .,.'ne l1;.J..~r c"'~r-cteY';s~i cs o_f' _" .... c.· __ '-~~::'::','y ..... .l. ____ c,_. ~ .... _L~ "I~ C _..I. ,-_

i'our soil. Signs of wa~er stre~s~ar~ wilting, leaves ha~g dow~ I ana 2r: some cases, ~any leaves ~~1~ dle and fall.

',/~s~ p'an";"'- ~lse a~~u~ '0' f ' ~.C_',- 1_ "_ j L::' _ ':"'-""; L " ':'; 0_ '::ne v,~a-:e~

loa~v soil before active 2rowth stODS. », ¢ ~

tncT ca:1 be i:; a I T~e UN?AO (Unite~ \ations Food and Ag~ic~ltural O~ga~isa~ion) I "~I--S ~evp-I'-"-'ed - ~e";"';"'"""..-' "';"c'" cai"""~l-;:es -oe e"anotr--,::;l""sn'r-t'o-l.C._ '.~ _" _'_'_'!-' C"" L.!..v'-o ....... .l..l _'- ..... CL 1".__ v' _0" _ C ..:.. Jl

or C~O? waTer use of a Deren~ial grass as a bas~s for ~s:i~ating ~~e waTer use of a~y c~c~. T~e perenn~al green grass refere~ce

crop :actor . , , -' c: e2.o2"-:: spec~: 1e crop.

The~e are D2ny o~~er ~ethods of es~i~ati:;g plan~ waTe:' use 2S i~~l~enced bv c1im~:e, b~T all ~ave l~~iTations, The bes: known methods a~e:

( c: I

R ~:,::;l~:~ -~' ~ " i a,-..:..,-~..:..vn .::e ui.C' ..... l.OS_Tlg

sunshine factors. te:r:perature~

P ' , '- . e~ma~ cSlng te~~eraTure, ~Um~Glty,

radiat iO:1.

hu:nidity and

sunshi~e a:;d

(~) ?an evaDorat~cn us:ng evapora~:on and env:ro:;ment faCTors.

f = r < : J e ·t' : j /' }

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However in 1975, UNFAO published a new method to be used for any plan~ in any p2~t of the world, based on pan evaporation mo~ified by total wind run and average daily humidity.

From standard cli~atic da~a, mini~um temperatu~e and saturated vapour pressure tables, are needed to obtain the daily maximuE humidity. Factors of the environment at the recording site are also needed to calibrate t~e pan evaporation; specifically ~he occ~rrence o~ ~allow O~ g~een vegetation within 10 to lOOOm aro~nd ~he Dan site.

Pan site conditions vary; some have irrigated ~~ass surrounds while o~hers have bitu~en (around air strips) fallow or herbicide t~e2ted a~eas. ,", ··':n"':: cY'os~';:"""r. ':"""r';~~""'ea" ""''''''''-ss .""!. W..J...L""': _ ,::>..l..~";':;..l..~ ..J...,.....,o.:.. ;5.1. c. ,

picks up moisture a~d moistu~e laden wind picks u~ less W ~"';"",::.r ~'r>o~ t"~ Dan "'h~~~as a ,-=, ....... y r .. ..: -,d ~ .. ..:., -', p' ck ".,-., '-,o~e "'-t~,, C.L_ __ J\, ~._ ~ , ..... ~_ __ ...... .:.' ..v_~j. '\'.J.__ -'- ~ :...:..,:-' I".''':'' ... c.. '-_

fro~ the pan ~nde~ idenLic2~ climatic conditions.

i OSS 0': ··~""e""" -:=Y"O~ a ~I--~ Ie:=>.'::: ..: sou': +0 c>iffe ..... c.- .... +0 .:...J _ Wa.L ___ H! ::-' c..~.L. _.i.. _ ~.L ~'- .J.. _ ..... _J.\.. '-

evaporation fro~ an open water s~rface as measured in a Class A Dan. The pla~t ~eflects 20 to 25% of solar r2d~aticn while Lhe wate~ surface ref:ects 5 to 8%. A Dan stores heat at Ti':"""'''' _." 'I .:..h -1 -.-'- ' ~ 1":.0, ,.......::: l"';"" .-:..,...., l - 0 'Y'" ro ":n ~h l • ..!.;=:,nL., wnl ... e L. e y_a~,L. r.a;:, :::-..'0 u.L _LS WaLe.:. _o;:,s CCU_l •. ~..J... ~ e "'2.~"·""':m~ ""v'e""" '7..; .... h ~hese c"f~e"""Q-'-'Qs ~he~e i- a O'o-d '-' _v 1..":"'.''-' ...... ~, ''''_ .. l;" "-,- J. ~~11'-_ '- .... _~ <:> '-'

relationshio betwee~ Lhe calibrate~ eV2noraticn f~OI a stan~ard pan and ~he'water use o~ 2 oerennial gr~e~ grass.

~he N.T. AND TEE U.N.F.A.O. ~ET~OD

The UNFAO method ~elates the above climatic data and calib~ated Dan evaDoration to water use of a reference erOD. These ;alcula~ions ~eed to be car~ied cut only once f~~ any a~ea in the world. This reference crop is DereD~i21 gree~ grass with no winter or drv season do~nancv. l~ is lOO~~ high (80 tc ISOTh~), of ev~n height, actively growing, no~ short of wate~ or n~trients and is comple~ely covering the ground. The water use of ~~is cro~ desc~ibed above is for convenience sho~~ened to ~.T.O. The-E.T. stands for eV2Potransniraticn which is evapo~at~o~ from the leaf s~rface a~d transpiration .:..-;.......,..,o~·~h .:..~e DOY'QS ;r. ~h~ "e.=...::' .=.no' ';""ne '0' ~eprc~~"'-:-s ...,.. ...... c 1..", ... " Ub~' L~': ' _ __ .J... 1... __ ..;. ..... ...!. '-'<._. 1.. ~ _ .... ::'<::::"j.'_ ,--",,-

refe~ence cr~~. These ITO figures have been c2~ce12ted from long term Y'ecords at the NT t S four :!lair: ce:J"t-res 25 Sr.OH:1 in Table No. ~.

He are fortl::12te ~ecause <,,;e have reliab=.e lonp.: ~erm Bureau of ~eteoro=-ogy records available for Dar\>.Tin, Kat!"1e:rine, Tennant Creek arlO Alice Spri:::gs. Tnere are no large areas of i~land waters or high mo~ntain ranges tha~ need to be taken into account w~e~ assessi~g climatic factors. Therefore the ETO tables for each deg~ee of latitude assumes a~ even climatic change be~ween the recording stations in the north-south direction. These figures can be used east

eIf:: jer: 21J


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,. , .

an~ west, au: as far as t~e N.~. bor~ers, if detailed local cl~matic Gate is nct availa~le. ~owever bevon~ ~~e 200 km east or west of :he recording sTatio~, 25 s~own in fig~re No :, these estimates cay be less rel~able.

P.DD::NDP.

The cO~Dlete U.K.?A.O. method ~~21udes a cro~ ~actor for most horticultural crops. This cro? fac~or ~~ltipli~by the E.T.O gives the water use of the specific crop. However, when Dixed vegetables are irrigated in a sDall gar~en with cr-ops at ma~y stages c~ growt~, t~e E.T.O rates are ~ear ~axiJ:IL~ for ~08t fu:: g~o~n crc?s.

• P. lUS:-l green la'\','n ~]i ~h ':a:'::,-'ly =..ong blades anG nc ~hick(~-~v(L) T'cnners '.,.,Till use si;r,i:ar cdanti~ies of I--.'ater tc I.T.O.' ',' Rough lawn a~d :oca: native pla~ts or Dlclnts of a similar r'ainfall area, ca~ grow w~th onlv half ~.T.O rates if

weter needs to be conseY'vec,

F~lly grown native pla~~s ~n ~hp ga~~en will thrive on rai~fall, cn:y i~ ~e~~ods a~e int~oduced ~o retai~ ~oisu~e and p~evenT rai~fall water r~nc~f SLC~ as Iulc~ing the ,~-(-,-: ~ s"rt--ce ~ri'":''''-'''; "'" or l' -or'-""'- ~ ("' ,.....,,~l "ho - c .......... ,'.,..-, l·..., n-t"re ,:: ~ ~_~ '-- '" c. • \..- 60':',-,- ., 5'-'; . .:..- J:ll,..l ___ :::> __ '-'-_ .1 •• c '"'

~ra--ve-' - ~r~vj~Ld'-·p :'-'l: Q~:~ -~~Of'-Tl' n~: co...,,..:; cl' _ ~~: s-~-Ud '--t, ~ ~ "h"~e 1 "a';; ""'''u 1 ~ =- ~ 'j;::.-;-- -;-ro-s or - 1- -"e~ 0: S -~-r -r' I

"<.:; ~ ~ .; ~ -;c;;:.:-:tob~~'~~ l

~,T.O rates are for average wea~her co~di~ions ~i~hout rai~fall. If unseasonably ho~, d~y windy co~ditions occur, iI-!Crease the water ~ates and d~ring cnseasonable still, humid, cloudy weather, red~ce these normal rates.

Additional water DUst be applied as well as ttat used by The crop, because app~ied water is lost to eV2?oraticn, dee? drainage and surface runoff. ~he app:ica~ion efficiency -~ G-l'~t-eren~ ~~~l'g--~on S\'s-elTS ~~~ "-~y :~o~ ~n ~~ 9U- 1 '_.J ___ .L _~~ .0.1.._" _ '"'~ ___ ". vc.~ ..!.. J: ..... u .. '-' o.

The application ef~iciency is the percentage of app~ied .. -te~ -''"'at l' S "I -~e.ri "h",~e. ---he. .,..,- an- C,::i-' "se .,..L.. '""c _ '=1. _ ;.-~o.,- __ "" I-',j.-:;::~ '-' LJ.:_ !-" __ • L ...... J.... __ •

~ ~0~~ec~1" de.s~cnc~ •• ,-. -' ~ - _y.... ~ 1;;::>' --

rrost e:ficie:-,.t. Fo::.'"

-n~ ~.,..,c~--c~ ~~~~~er S,:----c-c.~',"" vv ..... c"-_..l .... "- __ --' ~ y'='L ___ ,.;

bes~ resulTS fro~~cri~pe~s, ca.:! be the 'wate:"' should

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be aD~~ied eve::."'v dav ~2 replace ?~e wa~er used t~e day befo~~, par~icuia::."'l~ ~~ heT ~ea~te~, A l02~Y so~l, sp~ay I 6,;,j flood irriga"ted ~ l"'eCUl::"'es CL 2.S2.st 50 iTJ.;1I to be c.pplied during each reg~:a::.'" ir::"'igaTion.

ExarnDle - A com~ercial sp~inkler i::."'~iga~io~ arl application efficiency of 75% w~icl1 w~e~ ,.:,f \o.'a-:er \t,lould provide 37.5 rrJ:": fc':"' 'the crol) IJ.7.S = 37.5).

s;'-lster.. cay nave aDnlv';....,cT ::..n '-'m _. __ y~"o -.IV J'..),

to ~...lse (50 x

If E.T.O is bei~g acplied a~ Jarwin 2n Ja~uary (see table) ~ithout rainf2~1, 50 ~~ wou:d need to be a~Dlied week:y, ( -'~I "I' q - -/, '-.-) ,),.~ l.j.~, - .'" OC:y::> •

However at Alice S?rings it woul~ nee~ to be every four days (37.S/8.S = ' ~ days).

''!'ne B:J10unt of wcter to be appllec :Jer irriga::o:-: depe:-1cs on ~~e soil type as sarl~Y sc)il will store or held less water t'han clay soil.

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Technical R

eport WR

D85041

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ed at 14:07:33 on 29/07/2010P

age 11 of 72.

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TABLE NO.1 ETO (CI<OP vIIlTT:R USE) CIILCULATLD I3Y TIlL [AD MT:TJIOD (nun/el) ----_._----. - ----------

T'C"IllS n.T. LATITUD!: Iflmla SOUTH J F 11 A M J .J II r 0 N D llVERN;]; lIiliPJIl .J

DAPHTti 12° 26' " . 9 0 " . 30 'I.GO 5.35 3.70 3.80 3.70 3. "10 '1.20 '1.70 6.20 5. " 0 II . S lI- J.f.S-,1 13° 5.07 'I • SO II .63 5.39 'I . 00 3 . 9 'I 'I .00 'I. Jlj 'I . 69 5.03 6.01 5.8B I, .77 1 -II, 1 111° 5.37 II . 92 'I • 68 5 . 'I 7 4 . 5 'I II . 19 II • 5 II " .98 5 . 6 'I 5.G2 5.72 6.78 5.20 H"P v'THf.PHIE 1'1 ° 2'1' 5.50 5.10 'I . '/0 S.50 11.80 II . 30 II . 80 5 , I[ 0 6.10 5.90 5.60 7.20 5. til 1Cj75 ISO G.OO 5. 39 5.09 5.59 l, . 66 II . 12 '-I .55 " . 17 5.87 5.82 5.GO 6.95 5.40 1971 16° G.57 r ) 5 5 . 8~; 5 . 7 l] I] . l, 3 3.82 I~ • 15 'I .79 5. II 9 5 _ 70 5.61 6 . 511 5. 39 1967

J • ~ '-.

17° 7.10 G.S3 G.67 5.91 'I .23 3.55 3.01 11.1[7 5.16 5. 58 5.62 6.18 5 . I, 0 1971 18° 7 • Gil 7.13 'l.SS 6.06 It.Ol, 3.32 3.51 '1.18 II . 8 '/ 5 . I[ 7 5.62 5.86 5 . " " B86 19° 8.19 7.'7iJ 8.'18 6.21 3.88 3.12 3.75 3.93 4.60 !, . 3') 5.63 5.5'1 5. Ij 9 L 0 OIJ T[TIA!fT CREEl< 19° 39' 8.33 8.15 9.12 6.30 3. 78 3.00 3. 10 3.78 'I • 'I 5 5.31 5.63 5. '+ 0 5.53 2018 20° 8 . 3'1 fl_OIl 8.93 6.23 :1. 78 2.97 3.08 3.79 Ij.'18 S.]O 5.76 5.61 5.5 1, 2U/~~! 2]0 8.39 7.92 fJ. 11 G.05 3.79 2.91 3.03 3.81 " • 5 H 5.60 6.13 6 . 2 'I 5. 55 202C, 22° 8. '13 7.'16 7.10 5.89 3.79 2.85 2.98 3 . 8'1 'I . 6 8 !, . 81 G.GO 6.90 5.57 ~O33 23° 8 . 1,7 7.61 6. 'n 5.711 3.80 2.79 2.93 3.86 11.78 G.03 6.88 7.60 5.Gl 20'"8 ALICE SPRINGS 23° '19' 8.50 7.50 6. 50 5.62 3.80 2.75 2.90 3. 88 II . 86 G.20 7. 20 8.20 5.66 206G 2'1 ° 8.50 7 . 'I 7 6.1[1 5.59 3.80 2.'7'1 2.98 3.88 '1.87 6 . 211 7.27 8.33 5.67 207~ 25° 8.54 '7 . 311 5.97 S.liG 3.80 2.69 2.85 3.90 II . 97 G.4S 7.66 9.ll 5.73 2092

Millimetres depth per day which is eqllivalent to lirtes per square metre per elay.

Th(.:!s~ calculation5 UEl(~ long tel~rn) avel'i:tf~8 pan cvapor'ation, temperature, humidi ty anel m0<Jsurements of the tOLdl wind run from the four' main airports. ETO is the eV<Jjlotranspiration of <J perennial green grass e:rop lOOmm high. Figures in the Lab1e: are monthly <Jverages in mm per day.


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\ '.

So~urst j"lond

\

~~'IV'II' ~tond

. " I L..

\

(

\ \

Lommon 1

\

DOly Waters 01--__ _

\ \

, Wove Hill

\

\ \ \ I I

Ei!:c:-t .\ewcos! e

Rer.ner Spr,nQs

T hre-e Wo ys "-.,.--_.,.., iennon! Creek

S·:!:r), Caves

Wou·:hcpe Well I ----=!===~

I I BerroIII' _C_"",e>!k~_

Teo Tree Wetl

I

-f I5°

Ca~ooweo;

NORTHERN TERRITORY LATITUDE oS Approx,Loc,

TO BE ATTACHED TO NT. CROP WATER USE TABLE

FIGURE 1

. -



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I I

5 . Rr::rTRr:N CE:S

Doorenbos, J.

13.

Food and Agricultural Organisation, I~rigation and D~ainage Paper No. 24, Guidelines for p~edicting crop water use (Northern Hemisphere only). A copy is held in Dept. of Primary Production Library, Darwin. Copies are used for ~, . ~'- M .. dell -St.uoy a"C I..lie urrUill.;)J. gee 0 ege oz

Agriculture, Yanco, N.S.W. Department of Agriculture (1975)

K':"1Dat::-,icK E I p.. Hethod of estima-::ing evapotrnaspiratio:1 of all crops by using a g~een grass -n.o-F'-""""ence c~c~ ____ C..:..I _}).

Nct published. Dept. of Primary Production Darwin. File 79/925 (1978)

•


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1.

/~ ,

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USE DRIP IRRIGAT~CN 70 SAV: ~ATER I 7;""'; S '~j~("",,,",,,,,,,- ...... ,;O- 1'S :C.,..., "k-i ",,"k "scr- 'l-C' '-I--eY' /.: 'r"', a'"'G' aro~'''''''c' " j,~ _J, '-'_ .;10 "'_;. __ j'_b11 '-" __ ::; I...-l ". Co.:... _ /..l...... U~I

NT towns for s~ch activit~es as ~a~dsc2pingPand se~i COffi- I rr.ercial crops,~<vo «-~"-'<A.o1~"'~~'

INTRODUC':ION

Australia has a ~rv cllDate. Irrigation lS needed in most I Ga~ts of the K.T. to Drovi~e edible C~ODS 2S well 2S establish:>:?, s~ade -:::ree sr:r"..1js 2:-:::: g.~r2. sses. -:,8 lS;lcscape recre2"t:ional ~- "" F ;;:, - I ~r i - - - ..: ,,- - ~ 0 l' .,""; 'D p e ~ =.: C ' e - ~ s'"' - "-, _...... l' t c - n u ~ l' 11' z e ::il _",..;:::'. __ ';:;G ' __ v_. '::'11 .... _'...1 ,_ ,-_.J.. _ ...l... •• ~ v L.I:c:. _ Co L.

water, soil, pla~ts and ct~cr resc~rces to ~aximum potential.

We must supply the exact a~o~~t c~ ~ater at the right de~th w~en neede~ where active roots of pla~ts are to be-found: To achieve ~his we m~st kno~ what t~ese a~o~n~s. ti~es an~ ~he~e these p~aces 2re, then ~evise e~uipDen~ a~~ technology -0 ~-~e ·"h a -~S~ -~-r-F;~-~ -~~~1'r~-i~r p-cs'b-e l.' ;,JCf'-___ L ~ ),.v L ;:;::'-L..1).....,". __ :::._ c~~.:-' __ ...... c.._v.l v~...L..!.. •

-·'-te~ be+"'ee- ;Y'Y'-''"T;::I-:-'':c-s is ct· -~e" 1'-, -"'e -oil hC J. ,-w.! ----:5- . ...L 1. _ ~ '-'_ c..- .1 Lj; ;;;, _ •

~vailajle to the pla~t ~s :~e a~o~~t ~eld in ~~e root zone from fiel~ capacity (27 2o~ tension or iu:l) to wilting ~~oin~ (high tensions or eGP~Y). Fiel~ capacity is whe~ ;5tu~ated soil ~as :ost water ~c gravity (after 48 hours) t~t nc~e to eva~oratio~. ~ilt~ng point is whe~ p~ants show ~hvsical stress ~ecause o~ lac~ of water and col:acse. There :;s·-s-:-i1"1 "72t o .,.-, in t'ne Soi-; , , 't' , --d .... ..j.... 't ~ _'- _ ~ _ \'v ~_ _ •• __ DU~ l lS r.e..!.. ,,-00 Llgn .:or

Te~sion is 2 ~eas~re of suction reauire~ to re~ove wate~ from the so~~ 2S co~~ared to ~ree water.

':'-rll; .... and veneta-""'-j Cl cr·ODS ~eer> ad~c'l--e "ato.,..... ;:'oy, ........ 0-' r ~~ _'., e" ....I~__ ~ •• '- ;;:"~,-,:=,1.. W ~_ .:. .;. Ljl~...L

~n7ire growing pe~ic~ ~o orovide maxi~um p~oduction of good quality-edibl; ~rops. So~e wa~e~ s2vi~g ~an ~e ~ade in some crops duri~g the vegeta~~ve gro~th period ~ith only small ~e~uctio~s i~ yiel~, as :ong as adeq~ate ~27e~ is applied ';:-y-n-r fln"rOY'"l1'1'"''T -....., oC r1 ,;, '-';:";"'IJ""";"""'" __ '_. __ __ .v..~~ '.C. l,-,.l -'-_. J •• _~ __ ~j'

Conventioanal irri£27~o~ has a we~~ing 2~d ~rying cycle, ~here wa~er is app~~e~ before ~~e p12~ts stop g~owing ~hen .["'('1'" .-.~ -'no ,-,-";"'er a"-;.l"a~'D j,-' -:--~lO ~,~a~t is u,sco', hc"w'eva~ .,_" l_,'." I., ~ v,c~ "C~ ..... ..:. ..... '-v ._ '- ___ ...... __ , _-,

pl2n""'s i ikp s,(Y'"Is"b;:;'Y'Y'iec:: a-''-: b-=nanas .,-..,.,...,o,...;'·'·-e m2x":rr:u:-, v~~;d ~;en~:h;-w~ter';'d;~~~~t ~s ~;t ;::cwet~~o-~; bel~~"2~%:-~-

Recreatio~a: areas shcu:d be Dlante~ ~~~h native plants that nC~Dally grow in a si~ilar ra~~~211 and climate. Once they are established they only need a~ occasional irrigation~The time ta irrigate m2tu~e nat~ve ground cover such as co~ch grass is, be~ore and af~er De~iods of heavy trafffic, for ~hade trees and shrubs only· i~ dl~cug~perio~s. Under shade trees sur~ace ~~lc~ ~ust be re~ained or artificially supplied to i~sulate the soil s~rface. Th~s red~ces ~oist~re evao-



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oration and rainfa12 runoff. Mulch will provide a coarse s~rface which allows fast infiltration and storage of storm rains. Mulch also reduces maintenance costs by reducing weed seed emergence.

2. CONVENTIONAL IRRIGATION

2.1

o ? L • _

Ir~igation technclogy (engineering) Drovides us with ecuiDme~t to supply irrigation; however c;nventional practi~esonly achieve the required optimum conditior.s partially.

Bas";n I!"'rigation

Bas ~n ";~~";g-~ion _is ~ ~l00~ s··s~em· !~h=~= !~-+Qr 's hald '_.1 ___ ..J..,c::..~_l 0_ .......... JI.. •• \"I.~"'~.-"Jc::..'-'-.L~"-"

jehi::-1d contour ~2.nks in 'bays 'with 50 to 15G DJTl :al2.; after the irrigat~on the excess water is drained progressively to lower and s~aller bays O~ basins until eventually all the wate~ is used. When 2 C~OD such 2S rice has develoned sufficiently, water is held permanently over the land until the crop matures. This system is used on soil with a very low' water soil in:iltration rate~ PcstU!"les irrigated with this basin system have a wetting and drying cycle. Application efficiency of 50 to 90% depends on the soil infiltra~ion rate, the bay layout, a~d the skill of the irrigator.

Bordercheck

30rdercheck is a flood system that recuires a la~ge vol~me of water to flow di~ectly down the slope between parallel check banks spaced 10 to 20 m apart. !f correctly designe~ and oDerated on a suitable soil, it can give goo~ application efficiency va~ying from SD to 90%. Soil slODes must ~e even anc gentle with a low soil water infilt;atiop. rate.

The water supply is cut off ·whe!:! the TN'etted front has reached a cistance of about 70% dow~ the run (depe~~ing O~ soil type). The pool possibly 100 ~~ deep at the front will continue to lTlove and slov.'" dO'i-ln to j US~ reacn the end 'i-Jhere it all infilt~2tes. No water should need to be drained at the lO'l,.Jer eTld. Commercial opera-tions require high flow ::::-'2tes to ~educe labou~ costs and flow rates may be 75 Lis or higher. This systeD has a wetti~g and drying cycle so olants are. not always growing at maxim~D efficie~cy.

When desig~ing a bordercheck system, bay width, 2andslope -~d -T-+PY'l ';lo'~ .,...,-~~ IT·us~ be Y'e 1 atoc1 to ~,,'=i!t"--7--ion Y'la .... e G.l • .... c. .. ___ ... IA ..:..G.I..,- i. I.. __ '- __ ..... ___ G. ____ L ,

to hold v}ater OI"'. 1:he soil su.r:ace for the exact 1~opportur:i tyl! time for the desired amount of water to infiltrate.

2.3 Sp~inkler Irrigation

Sprinkler ir~igation needs a more expensive distribution system. ~low rates r.eed not be quite as high; however, the water Dressu~e needed to distribute the water, ~equires a larger~ more expe~sive pumping system. The appli~aiton efficie~cy of a cor~ecLly designed and operated spray system can be from 70 to 80%.

EIK:bf:12J


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I ~?ray systems ca~ be usee on u~d~lating land and SOl~ with I high infiltra~io~ rates. ~owever clay soils with low infiltPE:tion rates are l.:;:suit2ble~ because~ s")av a~Dlication :!:"ates must be lower t~2~ soil infil~ration ra~e~~ o~~erwise pooling I an~ runoff will occur ca~sing red~ced a??l~cation e~ficiency.

Conside~able 2~O~~:S of water are lost from sprays to evap-0ratio~, especially in ho~ dr~ windy weather. Agai~ there is a we~~ing and dryi~g cycle so that ?la~ts are no~ al~ays gr0~ing 2~ Daxim~m efficiency.

Irri£atioT1

~urrow irri~a~io~ rea~ires a ~arge flow of water ~c redl.:ce -;Aho"r 'n c(")i"'.....,e~c-i;;-; oDe~e~';onc C:O":iS <.,":-"-. lO·' l7'f-li- _ __ ~_ \..-' ..:.l. __ '.L •• L __ .......... ~ __ .J ........ '- __ ""_~l, _ v. _., __ .....

I I I

ration ra~es are most suiTab:e as relat~ve~y :ong runs can I be.used. However, ma~y medium soils can have good application efficiencies if a cGt-back s~rea~ or a recirculati~g of tail water system is used. A??lic2tion efficiency can vary fro~

I 50 to 8J% de?ending on soil cc~di~ions - slaDe m~st ~e eve~.

Water is app:ied close to the plan~ but again there lS 2

wet~ing and drying cyc:e so plants a~e ~ot always grow~~g aT I m2xi~~m efficie~ev.

Sub-irrigation is a system w~ere the wa~e~ :ab~e lS ;Tlain"::ained I at an artificial level so as to keep the pla~t root system moist w~ile mai~~aining a dry soil serfaee. A2ter~atively a Dorous pipe is placed ~eep in the root zo~e (possibly 300 -:=0· seo ;'"nm de~-:» ",,-hen there is T.O ..... 'aterTcb:.e. '?:r.is pipe is ~egularly sup~lied wit~ water at leas~ once each day. Water moves ~o ~he pla~t bv soil sec~ic~ as it lS used so w2~er$is conTin~o~siy avaiiable at low tensions. The soil su:::-face can be crv so no \-:ater is lcs-: to evapo:'at ion, only plant transpiratio~. This sys~e~ in so~e circuDsta~ce, when the 'inperDeable' layer is about 2 m deep (is waterproof) can be highly efficient. Wa~er is aV2ilaj~e all the time, ... ....,-- -is n""' T·'e-t:-c: _"...:L ~r·''':'''- cY''''''~e l:.C,l _, lJ >,", i,. ..1':':0 G.J.l...! \....: )" ..!.J16 '-_,

"i.:("),·,p'·er l·~ ~o-- cas;::.~ .......... ..: S ovs-e,...· ..: c: ']e""" ' ... 7:=;s'tefc:' 0: water . . ,,~""_v' ••.. L:=-..... _:::> l.:...l. .... ~ l. J •• _'- v _.\ ..... ~

De~o ~rai~age a~d sase'tires evaDorat~o~ 2~d be:'ow serf ace r~~bff :0 l~we~ land can ca~se ~e~y ~:£~ loss of water. :rees by ~he side of so~e d~y rive~ be3s oj~ai~ W2~er i~ a si~ilar way iroQ the water ta~:e.

DRIP IRR=G.-'lT=ON

I I I I I I

~riD (or trickle) irrigation is a relatively new syste~. I It ~an sU~Dlv W2~er ~os~ efficiently, by applying wete~ at the correct ;a~e. DriD irr~gatio~ startec as a sub-surface s\'ste~l bu: becuase of-rooT prob:e~s, is now mostly a surface I s~ste~. a~d can even be p12ce~ on 2 grapevine trellis 0.5 to J m above ground.

I ~ I :~ : b f : } 2' J I


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If correctly desig:1ec and operated, applicatio:1 eIIlCie:1cy can be as high as 95%. Water can be applied when ever it is needed to replace water used by the pla:1t. Whe:1 correctly o~erated, there ~no wetting and drying cycle as in most o-hor s"s+e~s -~d Tha. ·~-+-e~ re~a'~s -- , o~~ ..... ons'on '1 !,.~ '- y '- ,,1 0... w '-" ... 'c....... Jl~ ..:.. .. ,l ai.. -'- ,'; 1.-... ~ .s, eaSl Y available to the olant.

In hot a~id areas ~ater could be aDulied twice a day or more ofte~, to replace the water used in the last few hours. ~2ily qUdntiti_e.s (vil"1en one dripper is irriga~i!1g 1 m2 of crop), can vary from 2 to 10 L/m 2 per application. This 10 L volume 8ay last mOY'e than three Gays in Alice Springs d urir::g July. :-~or,.;reve::.'"' it is best to apply ~he smc.lle~ quantity of water at least once a ~2Y, even when t~e (mon~hly aver-·age), d2.il~1 rate is \lsry lo~,;~. An 2uto:-:latic system is recoul1ended to achieve ~h.i s .

Only about 20% or less of the soil surface becomes wet (this varies depending on soil type), however, with lateral and vertical sp~ead, 2 ~uch larger onion shaped a~ea is we~ below the surface. Therefo~e water evapo~2tion is low compa.red with systeJ7ls thaT \.;et the er:t,rire surfa.ce a.nd ca." be even lower i~ the wet surface is covered with mulch. This prevents evaporation and will also red~ce weed seed ~roblems.

When irrigating wi~h saline water or applying water to saline soil, there is an accumulation of salts of the extreffii~ies of the 'we~te:: v:)lwr:e of soil. Therefore, drip irrigation sho~ld be maintained during wet weather, to prevent salt being washed back in~o the ~oot zone. Good deep drainage is needed.

Other references to salts can be 5 . 3 ,

Section 4.3

~.~ Cost Saving Th~cugh More Efficient Water Application

an.d

The exact amount of water req~i~ed can be applied to each pla~t so no deep drai~age losses occur and wate~ is evenly distribu~ed to Each Dl2nt. Application ~a~e is very low so even i~ clays, th~re is no su~face runo~f.

7he~~ ~s ~o e'v-po~-~i~- :~o~ ~o'~aoo o~ J.'~ ~~p ~J.'~ -~ \.T_i~~ ~~ _'=..!.... c.. .;.C.I.._v~1 -"_ ~~l ..:. ...L...L ~ ___ •• I..l._ '- .I.. Co..., , •• ~.

sp~ay syste~s. The edge of the paddock and ce~tre of the rows (the access tracks) have a dry surface so that ope~ations can be continued. No water is eV2ncrated from this surface soil 2S would occur with spray or ~iood irrigation.

T' '. .... '"1 • "I .,. ~ b DlS sys~em can ULl...LlSe a sma~..!.. waTer source sucn as a ,ore

without the need fo~ expensive surface storage as for other systems that need large flows. Low pressu~e and low flow rates allow cheaper pipes and smaller pumps to be used.

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:..; ')

1..;.4

4 • "

Ope Y'a t i or. s

-, j t... / ()

A~tomation ~s easily incor?orated into the sys~em with a dial-~p ~low meTer or a 24 hocr clock opeY'ated system. zA pla~t wate~ ~e~~~reme~t ta~le, showi~g daily 2?plication \'olumes is needed). Anot~er syste~ ~s controlled by a soil ::!oist~Jre sensi:--;g cevice tr:a"': CQJ)0T!ences irrigation as soon .~s the soil rr,ois-:uY'e drops to a ?receteY";,r~ined level.

Irrigation can be carried out in ~indy conditio~s, d~ring ~o~ ~"~~c~ d-vs o~ ~~ ~~Q d=~~ "'l'th~u- ~r-·'Dlams There do: l ~ .... J;.J:._~ c_ ~ _ •. ~'I~ _':"''',..,. J '-' '~ :-' v _,-., ,.

is less likelihood of mould or fung~s causing crop damage~ 2S occurs wi~h sprinklers because t~e foliage remains dry. T·.,""1eY"'P ~s no "I·C'....., Y'~se ";-. --:--'''<::-''h;:::,~'';c h'·"'l·C·l·-\· -he"-_ .~~ -..:.-~ J. -=-.'. _ _ ... ~, c._J!''-''-'}-i '-_":'" .1 ... ;). 1.. •• ' <.. ~

~ccu~s ~nen !~e ~:oo~ or fu~~c~ pa~doc~ ~as ~cs~ bee~ l~rl-

I I I I I I

:p~ay and dusting materials a~e not was~e~ off the leaves. I Weed gro~th is reduced saving wate~ and cos~:y weeding.

Saline Co~diT~o~s

~rip irriga!~o~ is less :ike:v to cause cr~sti~g o~ the ~0il sur~ace. particular2y ~~e~ i~ is all covered with thic~ ffii;lch. ~ore saline ~2~er a~d/cr soils can be irric-;:o .... eo· '-1"l-r-h' 01'-:- 111'01c' r;:::,"':::'rtic·~ G- L ~-~ -- y ~ ~--'- _ •• '

'. t~ r : r~ .';:::'~~~ - d ~~ ... ~ , 1 r.';:, ).e. e ~S .!'._ 1",_ <.. I.. .... TI,:; an u. yl,.g C\lC_=, sa_ 'ts are I":Ot conce~trate~ ~etween irriQatio~s. ~his sa:t conce~tration in a we~ting a~~ d~ying cycle, can be up to te~ times the "'!eVR"1 (')..::' ... ·~e .; ....... "'i""a .... ..;o'" ·~~-er 0;:' the sa .... '.Jrate...: soi' .!L.:s'" ~- ."- -'':' t.": _~_ 6 L..:. .. v-.c,<.. (.' I..! _, J (.

before t~e next irrigation is d~e.

When a small quantity o~ fres~ water lS applie~ daily, by drip?er to a s~all portion of a sha~e treers roct zone~ the tree may ccnti~ue to grow in very saline soils. The tree may also u~ilize some o~ the solIs saline moisture.

Crop ?roduc-: io:--.

D"'~~ ir~';oat~~ c~~ ~~odu-;:::, ~ich v~el~ of b=tte~ q~ality -- ~:: _ - -0 -:-.. -. .~. ~~ .• o· ." - -:- - :- . . fru~T~ ma~crlnE earller tha~ co~ventlo~al lrrl£atlo~

•

5vs:e~s. T~is-results i~ higher pr~ces and t~~ abili~y to sp~e2d ~he harvest over a ~o~ger per~oG.

Weaning of Sha~e Trees

Trees f~o~ a similar rainfall .. .. J .

n07 ~eeG ~rrlgaTlon. ~rlpper

of qcickly es~ablishing these _:S.:,eas.

~ra- 0""',-';:::, =<::::t-bl~s'n;:::,~ ":0 _ ,-0, ,,_'- __ c. __ . _~, ~

ca~ be 2~ e~fective method shade trees for recrea~io~al

When t~e trees are nearly half Qrow~ ~hen they can ~e weaned. ~his is achieve~ by ap~lying greater-and greater quan:ities of • .... 'ater at lo:r;ger i,iter'vals up to 4 DO mm ~er ~ripper u~~i2 only drocght irrigatioll is applie~.

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[JY:Lf:2:!2 I


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4.6 l"ledium StriD ~a\.;n Irrigaiton ·~-Ji"'Ch Buried Dr'iDPers

Drippers are r:ot normally used for lawn irrigation, nor are they buried. In very heavy soil where water infiltraLion rate is low, this buried dripper lliethod has been successful.

5 .

5. 1

In a road mediu~ st~iD situation where water using a soaking hose caused e~cessive r~noff onto the road, subterranean drippers have been very satisfactory.

An earlier unsuccessful surface driDoer svstem had been used to irrigate the medium strip. ~here had been problems with vandals and excess water (beyond plant needs), had infi~tr2tec into the ~oad foundations and causee ~he bitumen to col:apse.

This new subterranean driDDer system tested several tv~es of drippers pla.ced 2.50 ITJU- Selow""' the 12.~wn, and all r,.,;er~satisfactory. Water was applied daily to replace the water uSed the day befo~e.

Afte~ three years of ope~ation did not block t~e e~itters anc

';"'"1 +h's ;"''::'-~7y SO:l .,...,,...,o~s ..J... ..... ....!... ~.~a.y .L..:.., _'-' \..

la~·]n gro\-rth \,-;as good.

The ~eason for the success was mos~ likely the heavy nature of the soil and t~e daily a?plicatio~ of the cc~~ect amount of rHateI'. These last t-V.lO recoTIEnendations wo;.:ld kee~ the soil around the e~it~ers saturated and short of ox~ge~, discouraging roo~ pene~ration while supplying sufficient ~2~er for the lawn ~~rther away fro~ th~ outlets.

DISADVANTAGES OF DRIPPERS

R ." ' ,,001: ,-,ysl:e;ns

Roots will venture i~to soil in all directions around the plant if the soi: is not completely ~oots conce~tra-;:e in the drip moistene~ drippers should be placed evenly around cause a concentraTion of active :eeding area of soil.

dYlY. However, 2.::",e2. Therefore the tree. Drippers

...:... ~ . .., l---;'·)"':"'c.' ro 0 ~ S .1. n a. .L1" • .:.... (. '-" a

Should the water supply fail, ther;, the plants ~}ill ~e mo~e ·c'-' Y' s--Qss-'" co~~a- c' .. .., ......... -,- .., ............ s a.'..,,..,·1,......:....0~ac· ~o .., -,.-t-;-":i11"" qUl .'"'-..:.. ,_.!.,~ 0:::..: a;!-' _ ell • ....!.. LL. ___ c.! '- ..... '-:..~:.. ,~. (. C. <I.e '-...:....:·0

~~~ d~v~n~ cv~lQ M~'ch 0= ~he ~o~~ """e~~ins unused there~o~e .... ~.!'-' - -' -" 0 -' ~- ~. _..... - - .. - -- - •• ,....... ... '-, •• --

.... (--,e-r o is l"'ss e~'::-pc-;V''::' 115 0 Of -a'n-P-i 1 :',i':::'-L"'1"'_ is ao"l~ ips ..... _'-_ .. __ ~L~ __ ,- ___ ... a. ___ . ____ ::-'_ .....

every day so drippe~s should be turned on, one day afte~ t~e rain has stoD~ed so that the water is still at optimum 2vailabi~ity, (i~~ a~ low tensions in the soil).

The mean numbey of rain days per year (when drippers would be turned off), in the different NT cent~es are:

Alice Springs 40 Tennant Creek 53 Katherine 77 Darwin 109

Technical R

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I' I I I I I I I

'4 u' h ~ ~ ;,;. j~lg. ' ..... 051,.5

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A dripper system with filters~ fertiliser units and automa~ic con~rols, can distrubuTe water evenly to each plant through a network of smal~ cheap pipes. However when all the costs are added together the system is very expensive. Usually only ~igh value crops are grown, so the cost is not prohibitive w~en compared with its ap?lication efficiency and its ability to provide slightly increased yield.

Drippers used to irrigate shade trees are usuallly a cheaper alternative LO purchasing a water tanke~ and e~ploying a man con~inuously ~o flood i~rigate a basin a~ounc each tree. 7n-is b-sJ."";""' .:.,...,"',- ..... -..;...;01 ',~o·'ld ha"e ~o 'D~ conti....,'led f"'""''Y'I ~e··eY'l~l _ •• _ Co _ • ____ E: c. L _ _. '" _ '" I". __ _ _ ~. __ _ v.... ~ v ~ c_

Y-o-Y"s a·e~e-""J.·.,o 0- -'n~ roo~ gY'1,-,.' ....... ~ 0':: ,.hQ -"""00 -nd -he 80'.1.-_-0._ ::' ~:'>...l "0 ____ ~ l. _ -..J'\/ ~._ ..!. L.. •• '- ."- '-'- c.. I. L. ...L.

moist~re areas, reached by t~e extending roo~ syste~.

7HE DRIP IRiUG.A.T:i:ON SYSTEH CONCLUSION.

~riD can be a ve~y efficient irrigat~on system when correctly deslgned and operated. It can d~str~bute s~all q~antities of w2~er a~d fert~:izer to individual Dlants several ti~es

,.., . t . .' ,.., 1'h - . , ~ h . , a ~2y as 1 15 ~e~ng use~. __ 2 p~ant wltn goou us canary DT'2.ctices \.Jill the:--J. be able to gY'O;,.l to rr:aximu:T, poten-:ia:'.

~ater is applied daily to a small area of the root zone. :1rip irrigation shO':.lld be ~esumed one c.ay after effective rain, to e~su~e a co~tinuity of high water availablity for ~axJ.·""'ll:Ti ';"'\1 a 7"'1 + ;rro·.T+h 1.:\ Jl~_J •• ~- ~.~ 0 \. '- •

The ~rip syste~ can be economically used on all but sandy soils where tte water does not spread laterally to wet sufficient of the plant root zone. Too may drippers would be needed, so micro-sprinklers may be an alternateive to soread the water. In fine texture~ low infiltration seils drippers can be successfully operated whe'n placec u:1aerground, if the co~rec~ amou~t of water is applied at lecst once a day.

?lants :~om a si~ilar rainfall area ca~ be established with d~ipper then weaned. The weaning ~ethod is to apply more ane' m,o"""'O ~,~;:=lt"'~ a+ "' ...... ""'O'er ':7j+oY>V.=.lS -'''''-:-.:, 200 • (0Y' l,ruG L •• -" .... 1'\1 .... _.... '- ':">..1.110 ..l.l.'- ___ ~_ 1,..;,ll_.:.._ U _"":' '

~o~ 'a~cr~ ~ee~ ro~~o~ ':"roes) p~""'" -~~~ic-+l~n J.·s -~~j~ea' J. _.J.. -0"'" '-' ~ ,-"'_ .... '.J. 'w..... _'-_ G..!:-'.:-'.l.._ c,,-_v. c,~.:-'_-,-"

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Eventua12y the pla~t can grow with o~ly ~ainfall~ an i~ri-00'=:-LJ.·"'.C'. ~.~y 'DO y;~cui"",oG; J.':'" ;:::. ~rol'O'r,+ -"orio-i +0 m-''';n-:-a'';-, 0''-'00' ..... _ JIl .... ____ --- ~._u ..... =>~.'_:'- .... '-''- J.C:._ •• ~_".ov

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Viewed at 14:07:33 on 29/07/2010 of 72.

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DRI? I RRJ GA.TTOi;

INSTRUCTIOKS FOR INSTA~LIKG A.~ :FFIC~[~T SYSTE~ I

I~TR:Ji)iJCTIO'J I The ~ripper can provide water a~d nu~rie~~ di~ectly to the s~il around the ~lant O~ a daily basis. This svstem when I correctly instalied a~d opera~e~ ca~ resu:t in ;educed ~ater consu~pTio~ and increased ,~ther i~rig2tio~ sys~e~s.

')J.ar.t O""""-',T,·-"'" 0- '-"w ...... co~p2red wit}] most

T~is drip i~~ig2tio~ sys~em, used for f~ui: and vegeta~le c~ops, ~s eSDeciallv use~ul for househol~ garde~s when correctly in~talled-and operated. The adv~n~ages include e~ficient water distrib~:~on, the low flow rat; required,

I I

and the possibility of converting t~e system to a fully 5u~oma:ic overation. ~igh a~~lica:ic~ e~~iciency ca~ I ~es~~t in 2~ to 50% savi;g i~·wate~ dependi~g on- t~e o~iginal -",--"",- us~d ~l'''''''O~-t'c-- C-'DQ.....,--I--i,-,,~ ,....,a~ pr",,-ire "--eY' to pl-an-s ::;_',=L.~j!: -... r-........ !.c_ • __ c._v,.,- .• ",-,v_,- .... c.I... I..

dai~y while yo~ are away fer 2 week-end O~ even for ann~al . 1 - -r.o_:cays. syste~ should be c~ecked every : e ..... ' days ~e make s~re i-r is f ,-n,.-, .... -; c'....,.: ~ ~

- 1-'.- .j...:... •• ~ cor~ectly.

To ins-rall a correcTly ~esinged drip irrigation systeD, a few si~ple hydraulic princ~ples mest be observed. So that the closest and most distan~ dri~~er to the water su?ply point, will 2?p:y the sa~e volurn~-of wa~er, "the water flow ~ate in the pipe Qust be low so tha-r theffiis lit~le friction loss. A pi?e of docble the diameter w:ll carry four -rimes "[he volu::1e of \o-,l ater ac:: he S2i:1e speed, tr.e:-,e:ore --che pipe ,jiamete~ and ~ripper flow rate is very lmpor~a~t.

T~e black ?olythene pipe use~ for drippe~s ~s 2 low pressure ~iDe with ~~s~-o~ fittings a~~ ~o clips, designed fo~ 2 max:mw~ head O~ press~re of lOO k?a or 2 water heig~t o~ about 10 ffi. Man~r d~i?pers are des~gne~ to operate at-leo k?a as we~l, or a~ leas~ ~heir ~elivery rate is Tha~ ~~ich t~ey would give a~ 100 k?a. ~1a~~s press~re may be four ti~es as hi?~, so 2 ~ressure reducing valve is needed. ~owever, let u.s start 2.""C the beginn:'r:g.

'w'ORKII\G DI.A.G~.~l

I I I I I I I I

D~aw a scale map of the area TO be irr:'gated, mark in the I boundary fence, buildi~gs, trees, garden area, a~d water 8upply ?oin:s. Use a cOf:VenienT scale such as 1: 100 (10 r.L-:1

~ 1 m). I

I IJ(:Df:40J7

I


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4 •

23

~1r:AS URI DRI ?PC:R Em, RATE

As mentioned earlie~, a dripper on low pressure black polythene pipe is designed to operate at 10 m head whereas the town supply may be at 40 m head. Initially, purchase only a pressure reducer valve (set at 10 m head) and one dripper

., .~ d· ~ ~ 1 ~ d • ~~ d . ,. U::1tJ.._ 't~le eS.3..gn l...eSI..$ are comp_eLe. l'".S \..~le rlpper ... lne has not yet been purchase~ attach the pressure reducer to ~he tap end of your hose and the dripper on the othe~, as shown in Figure 1. Then turn the tap fully open.

Measure the flow rate in lit res DeT' hour (L/h) which is obtained by collecting the dripp~~ outflow in a measure cylincer, or jug fo~ a set period of time, such as 120 -aco"~S as ShO·T~ l'~ ~iau~e ~ Pepca~ +~is measu.~eme~t :::.-- ~~'-'., -, 't... 1.,;. -0"- .• ., '-' L '-___ j.~ _ H .. ';'

several times and average the totals. La.ter 2 d:0ippeY' wi-ch the most suitable flow rate may be purchased - refer to Section 11 for examnles.

Clamps should be placed on any hose fittingas and pressure hose used before the pressure reducer, where as the rest of the system, at low ?ressure only required Dush-on fittings and low pressure pipe.

Now calc~late the tiDe ~his driD~er must run to apply ICC L of wateY' ~or the next test. If the pressu~e reducer is set at 10 rn ~ead then the ~riD~e~ flow ;ate should be similar to t~e makers flov.} rate stamDed on the G::=:'ipper. DrippeY' flov} rate testing will be required again Hner: instalation is completed, to co~pare the :lo~ rate of the closest and most disTan't driDDer to the 'water supply point.

MEASURE AND TIME THE DRIPPER FLOW RATE

[('. PRESSURE REDUCER VALVE (10m he<Jd)

~~~" ~" ONE DRIPPER

SHORT LENGTH OF HOSE_:{--, NUT AND TAIL JOINER

MEASURING 1 CYLINDER /

END CLOSED OFF

MEASURE JUG I

FIGURE 1


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(A)

I A~D2y lUG L of water through a dripper to ~ry soi~ and iet I It soak ~~ fo~ 12 ho~rs, or longer i~ clay soil. Then dig c~t the wet soil ~o ~i~d the diameter o~ the wet o~io~ 3~aDed area below ground. This ~ia~eter Wl1~ be the s?acing I for- vege:able gard~ns d~ippers in soil o~ this tex:ure.

A~ average I02~Y soil has a we~ted dia~eter of o~e metre I as shown in figure 2 (A ant 3). If The wetTed dia~eter IS O.5m or :es~, then fo~r drip?ers per rn 2 wi:: be needed. ~his number of drippers is ex?ensive so Dicrosprays insteat I '-.'l drippers sho",lld je usee "to s~re2d "tf:e ~'ater, to 'wet a 3ufficient area of L~e ~la~L reOT zone in this scil.

~6r'k the tripper line ~osi~ic~ on ~~e scale ma? anc mark lD the dripper ~ocations. Fo~ exa~p~e~ in loaoy soi2 ODe ·r'~re~ per s~u-ro rr,e~~~ ~~ -~p ~-~~e~ --e- 'l'n-s one -",~~re L..J .'..,:." _ '-:!. ~ _ I •• _'C _.' '-,~_ ~~.\,.., •• c.. =., _ ,_ ,_'"' 5parT and d~ipper spa=i~g o~e ~eTre apart on these lines. A small tree or sh~ub should have one dripper whe~ the sDread leaf area o~ canODV is less tha~ a cubic metre. ~arger

I I

2.arger I ,=-;., --d'e .... ,,-p- _,p<=>,..l -,,~ "';rl' -per- ex--;:::,-- "~e-o 1- 2i.7n l' s s~. ra.· .. · ..;,.;c .. ! __ r;:: ••• ~ l. __ ..... I.. .... '...J __ .' ,'-'_ ::, ,- __ }--)L. "' •• __ •• -"

-~ "I-'Y"~ --""='-p~ ::lrc,~'n"': +'[]C ~re- -1-en nr"ro -re -ec"'': y;p~ ;:::::: "T'".'r,e _~'~ ~~c:;:,_~_,_ G. _.~.,,- .1 __ :" c~ ,""l •• ,-,.l_ c,' _ ..... ..:.._'..1 .... ..., '-._

:ree w~uld obta~n ~a~er £~OG ~nder the ~awn a~ea.

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SELECT DRIPPER SPACING (8) TYPICAL DRIPPER WETTING PATTERN I

.. ,

/

DJ.e."'e:":"£~ OF W£i S~:L

... ---,000""" .-

/ /

f+-- 8';:'-::'" $>;t..pcJ wE; VCLl"''' 'J',~E ~ O~I PP£R

I I I I

~,) .. CI'IIPP<;:P ;(\1'1 ~<! ,,-:1'.1'1$ C'" OI'lT S~I:' OR u...,rlL 'OC l'T~~S ... ,:,'0 ",~~ CIS("-!C,P';~O C'.'[R IRP1G.1"C~ C':"' .. 'S[;

O[tP OP.:c"JAG~ :'C;,5(S ;;£"1£

I L"~' ,",p T>-IF:, 'OO~<::S O' O'JtC'!'i 51-1:.. .. r' "'[T A~~.:t A .... :. ~~t.5:.JI'IE OlA"'ETEP T;;'5 1$ T"E O~IPPE"~ 5P:"Ci"<O if!;:", "£::;~T':'!lLES) '!'i "'OU>I 5011.

I FIGURE 2 I

I I


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I I I I I I 1 1 I I I 1 I· I I I I I I I

6 .

7 .

8 •

L!ST EQUIPMENT TO BE PURC~ASED

Mark on the scale map the dripper locations then the dripper lines and junctions. Using this ~ap, follow the marked dripper line with a piece of string to obtain the ?oly-t~ene pipe length. Use the reap scale to conver~ this string length to act~al pipe length in metres. List the pipe le~g~h, number of tees, elbows and joiners required. Several extra JOlne~s can be ~urc~~sed fo~ future use. If a pipe is damaged, a simDle repair" can be made bv cut~ing the pipe and inst2ili~g a ]Olner. J

DRIPPER PiPE DIAM~T~R

13 rr.rn diameter low ?ressure black polythene pipe 2.S the narIal pioe used. See Table 1 - Select D~iDDer ?ioe Size. Hultipl~ ~he nu~ber of drippers by the drip~~r flo~ rate to find the total flow rate. If the line circles the garden and re~urns to the supply, then i~ effect, two supply lines are provided, so total ~low rate can be divided in two. Where flow rates are between 180 and 400 L/hour t~en ~2rCo~ - o~-

:9 !Em di",:neter :liDe should be '"",sed for tr:ac: secLior;. . . .... '. ,.ricO f'~M' f:t<), . •.

~n an lrrlgatlo~ sys~em Wlt~ maYAsame SlZeG o~t~e~s, (suc~ ~s ' ...... 0' l' "";r-:,o.,..., c::.,.-.. ':~k; .f. , ..:..;;:>~) ~h ,-.,...,·--i,..... .;"" _ U~,-Q _D '-"_ ..!-p~ ___ or .... :r..:..L ...:..e_ sys I.. .... T:1~ , • e \. c._ lc. i..._vn _.:.

disch2~ge should net vary by more than lQ%. Check t~e flow ~",te of tne closest and ~ost distant drippe~s fro:n the supply in the garden irrigation system.

If Dressure compensating drippe~s are used, t~en The flow r.,::-;-es be1_(;T"' ca~ bo <oxcoor,ed W-; ..... )-, 1 -i+ ..... 1 <=> e-f-=e ...... ..:.. -'""'p ·~a~e~ _.......... _w.~ _______ '- _L..I __ '-1......:... ..... _.1. ,-I.. -...,.; •• W L _

ou-:put. In C01Tl.Inercial systems, p-:::'essure C2.n be ir:cree.sed with these drippers and 2arger flow rates used; however, Table 1 provides a guide and is .. "!'ecoB.:l1enced for ~ouseho:d

d · ..,-1 a~ se~l-cc~~erC12~ gcr~ens.

?a.ble J..

Select DripDer Pipe Size

(Low oressure black polythene pipe)

'\Nater £lo:--r rate v,,~her: pi?2 f:-,ictio;l is insigr.ific"ant

5 20 ::'9 25

""10'· R~t<os (' ;~re~ "'e~ "ou·-r) • _ w • __ ___ .!..J..J.. L " .... • _ r::. _ 50 2.80 400 680

CONTROL S:::CTION

Simple filters are used with the clean wa~er at Alice Springs to stop occasional pieces of rust or gravel entering the system. Filters can catch any no~-soluble impurities that may be present especially in the soluble fertilizer used~

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s .

that Dlust pass th~ough drip~ers wi~tl the wa~er. Other areas of the N.1'. ~ay have dirty water. 7herl a back flushing sand or ring filter would be recor.,JTlencec i::.steac of the mesh type as t~e mesh is ~o~e easily blocked.

A suggested dripper control system is sho~~ ~~ figure 3. Larger u~its wou!d be needed for con~ercial en~erprlses. The~e are some ~robleos at A:ice Spri~gs with ~ertilizer applied in the drip?er system as some ?recipitate in pi~elines. Contact the Ho~ticul:~ral sectio~ of th8 Department of Prioary ?roduction for Do~e de~ails.

SUGGESTED DRIPPER CONTROL

_- Plc~et to SiJppo,t ~tondP!pe

---~~ Tee Jo,ner

/ To;::. for 1"I05e

J> ~ To;; or d::Jt u;::.' Cu10rnotiC , / CiJ~ ofi Urit:

/ p""",, reduo" (lOre, PC,,,"ce)

~ ~ Posslb!e fertilize, unit

'J~ ......-r Two or iln£ fItters fo~ cleon woter \';77 (coo"e mesi"1 first, then fine mesM)

o For dirt,' woter, use 0 bock f[usnlno tf.... sond or fin; fjlle~ fo~ precieonlno

/

P105tIC to~ to tamporor), ~orc:!en

DRIPPER ~.~~~*' , MEASURE AND TIM~ RIPPER FLOW RATE

.... PiP:: TO NORMAL IRRIGATION

FIGURE 3

Read Sectio~ 10 and 11 ~~~c~ gives t~o exa~ples of acto--~~~ ~o~-~-~~ ~oP S-~-l'-~ "~ a ~y~~ S\;~-=- --~ ~--:din-CLJ.. ..... '- ~.L_V_~ __ 0::::,,_ ".:;: u......, '---,.L.' .J_L_::. G.JlL.: ",-"'=1..,.;_ - Co

~te size d~i??e~s :0 Lse. A~just2ble d~ippe~s 2~e not '-'-c'-'r;-,e~a'p"; as l'n'-'r~-c:::c'-, ,.:;~ sch-r-e f.,...,,,..,.. 0-';' .. ·.:11 reo"ce _ t::;; _V"w: •• , _'_' ).1-. <;::c:.~ __ "-....:_ ,0. 1:: __ V.J. )j_ 1',.:.-- '-"

.,ress""'e --II -~~'''''O'1,'''''>~ -t--c c:::vo-e~ a-o so --' -;-.0",-, --h o dl'SCh=>Y'oe ~ ..... ' ..... c:. __ ' ••• _ '-'C" ' •• 1 ___ ..'~L "I., c:...:..I.. __ L _ .1.'<;:;"-0

clf all the o-:ne?'"' outlets. ConJlercia: syster.:s nor17:ally use 0nly one f:ow rate 'size' d~ipper) i~ extra water ~s required two are olaced close ~ogether.

Bring together 1:'5:S fro~ previous secTions and pu~chase all the materials req~ire~. Lay the low pressure black polythene pipe CGt on the ground as indicated on the diagra~. Connect the fitT~nRS aT the water an~ when the pipe has bee~ flushed out, ~:ose ~he end. Now ~~~h the water' in the pipe under pressure, as the holes are punche~ for drippers,



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10.

the wate~ discharge wil~ reDove small Dleces of plastic cut from the hole.

Make alterations ~o p~pe layout now i~ desi~ed. P~oceed fro~ the supp2y end buryir.g the line a~d fit~in~ cr2DPers. To bury the drip li~e under the lawn, cut Lhe w~t sod-with a spade or shovel a~d make an openinE by using a leavering aCLion. Then insert the pipe in the vee cu~ and tread the lawn back into place. Drippers sho~ld be placed above ground and mulch, to prevent root blockages and so that they ca~ be inspected~ altho'J.gh the pipe can be buried. "'

Place a brick or si~ilar object where the driD~er is likely to be damaged by a Gotor mower4 Sometimes drlD~ers are required to be place~ undergro~nd. One method-~sedwhere vandals are a probleii:. is to bury the d~iD'Der and GrinDer line 150 Tl'Tl deep, 1..Ji th the drippe::-' in a S~:T1C laye:> foy, easie~ digging and inspection. Howeve~ inspection is diffic~lt in all buried root systems and roo~ blocking of d~ippe~s is li~ely especially if the soil dries betwee~ irrigation. The on~y indication that the dripper is jlocked is when the Dlant dies.

A.nother method used corrJ7lerciall~l =or vegetables lS designed ~o prevent roo~ blockages. Twenty-four hour timers are connected and the co~~ect anount of water is supplied in small qua~t~ties several times a day. The dripper lS

• " > 5 0 0 . . ~h . > >, ., ?~ace~ up TO ~ mm aeep anc ~ e al~ 25 TO Keep ~ne area a~ound ~he driDPer s2TuraTe~ and short of oxygen so that the rOOTS will'·~ct g~ow into it.

I suggest some clay soil shou::'d be ackee to the 300ll'JT, diameter a~ea around the drippe~ to help the water exclude oxygen, particularly in lighter soils such as sandy loams.

O?ERATION OF DRI??ERS

Drip irrigation can ~e the nost efficient method of irrigation if correctly designs:::: anG ope!"'ated. For r:1aximu~ benefit, ;,yater sho\Jld be ap?liec every day ""Co replace the 'V.'a.ter used the day before. Th~s daily application provides the water at low tensio~s ~c the plant, giving increased growth and larger crops as shown in ?igure 4.

Ir~igation systems usi~g drippers are ideal ~or actomatic oDeration. One method is to purc~ase a tdial-un' co~t~al valve ·,.,rhich cuts off ;,.,1"::'e:-1 a gi~JeT' q:":2r:tity of h7ater ::as been used. With this system ~he valve must be reset each day.

P.T.!other method v.Thieh can be operated for seve::->al -.. 7eeks wi. thout attention is to use a 24 hour clock system. ?his system can ,,~ o~ .... ··0 oene"'-·-"' .... '·Des ;';1'-.... ....1,e ?4uO V,.....,l ..... ~·Ts+e'm Lr"-,,c"""e ~c ..!. LW 0 •• _::::t..!. Ly_ • _ ..... ;::'\.., L..... ....._L '-) .. ,:. Y>~.'-"_

a time clock ODerates a taiJ; the s€co:1d one is a l1Sundov..Tnerl1 system operate~ by s~nligh~ and small torch batte~ies, both to apply water for a set period of ti~e each day. The 240 V electrical syste~ can supply wate~ at any period of time t:-:roughout the 24 hours whereas t21e TISundcwnerll can apply water for a maximum of 90 minutes at either sun~p or sundown each day. Therefore, ~he dripper

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J. 1 .

flow rate rnus~ be sLfficie~t to supply ~he requi~ed dai:y peck (ho~ \o,l eather) flow of i,-.'a1:er in 98 rr.inutes, so check the size of dripper used. Details are s~own in the example Table 2.

r: XA~1?L~

Tigu~e 4 shows that crop gro~th is a ~unctio~ of the soil ~oisture content. Daily applicatior:s of the cou"ect a:ncunt clf water by d~ippers can result in optimum growth.

A typical hODe garden (as

~~E tOTal wa~e~ flow rate

an e~a~ple) is show~ in nt, t~e num~er o~ needed.

RATE OF CROP GROWTH AS A FUNCTION OF SOIL MOISTURE CCNTENT

o

~ Fleid copoClly

OptlmU:Ti grO'n·th I I

MOisture conlent of sad

Table 2

u Typica· Garden Area

Vegetable & flower garden

6 young trees (assume 1 m~ each)

Ci~rus TY'ee (5 ill ~iameTer canopy)*

FIGURE 4

.A.rea

IS( x 2 Llh)

s sex 2 L/h)

7(x 8 L/~)

in '?able 2, c.riDDers 2no

Total (jh)

30

l2

55

98



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(a)~ This citrus tree could have 28 drippers; however. if only 7 are used on 28 m2 (4 m2/dripper) then fou~ times the other dripper flow rate will be require:d to provide even irrigation when the vegetable garden is in the same system.

(b) Black polythene pipe 10 mm in diameter could be used for 98 Llh as shown in Table 1. Instead 13 mm is recommended as it is available locally and would allow the irr~gation system to be eXDanded at a later date. The water supply,is between the vegetable garden and the cirtus tree Figure 5, 30 and 58 L/h.

(c) If 10.5 Llday is to be applied in January (Table 2~ S~G·T::t 3, ......... Ae Dej3ar-'-ffier ';- 9,....,Q~± ;;;onri i,Ter'es fo~ "y ~r....... _ wY ..... VJ. .LJ.u. •• :" ___ \ .1 f

:,'},;;+e"-' n.:p:.si ........ sFseh:':P8 ~Alice Springs CORberus H-tOF")

the 2 Llh drippers would have to c;perate ~ j ;":,~ ttl.,l over 5 hours per day. u",,""efJV.L(f.. ~ ~ /fdd···~·~j-

(d) A 240 V, 24 hour automatic timer would be needed as the battery solar "Sundowner" automatic unit will only supply water for 90 minutes once a day.

(e) To supply the example area ·with 10 L/m 2 in less than 90 minutes a more expensive system would be needed because 28 drippers (one/m 2 ), would be installed under the citrus tree. Drippers w~th a capacity of 8 Llh would supply 10 Llh in 75 minutes. Now pipe flow rate will be (15 + 6 + 28) x 8 Llh = 392 L/hour. This system now would require a 19 mm pipe, Table 1 from supply to the citrus tree. However if two 13 ~~ pipes are used, one each side of the ci~rus tree, then each can supply 136 Llhour well below the maximum. These two 13 am pipes can supply all the trees with 272 L/h. The vegetable garden requires 15 m2 x 8 = 120 Llh to be supplied in a ~3 ntl pipe.

(f) When the system is installed and operating, check dripper flow rate of the closest and most distant dripper, to find out if there is less thatn 10% variation in discharge. Use the average figures when timing you irrigations flow rate.

FOR DRIP IRRlGA nON (Alice Springs)

The numbers indicate litres per day per square metre of growing area (where the application efficiency is 85 per cent).

Month J F M A M J J A S 0 N 0 YEARLY AVERAGE

Litres 10.5 9 8 7 6 3.5 3.5 5 6 8 9 10 2.6kL/m'

Dripper> should be used e.1ch day for best results. For small trees with one dripper assume a growing area of 11m' Water rale:

be varied for unseasonable weather

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A /ZoAD

PLAN YOUR GARDEN TO CONSERVE WATER

••••• -DRIP IRPtGATION FO~ j:'RUIT AND VEGETABLES

--- DRIP IRRIGATION <OR ES7ABLISH'IE~' NOW NOT USED

ROTATE AREA BETW'EEN CH:CKENS AND vEGETA8:..ES

DRIP IRRIGATION FOR 15m2 vEGETABLE AND FLOWER GARDEN 6 YOUNG NATiVE TR~ES 6m 2

! LARGE CITRUS TREE 28 m 2

OLDER NATIVE TREE WA7ERED BY RAI ~FALL, ROJF AND ,PATH RUN OFF, APPLY COA~SE S'JR=-':'CE MULCH U~~~ER TREES TO "TRAP RAINFAL~ RUN OFF HOUSE

IS .-l.:::: U8S

: 30~z

L A\V~~ \

40m2 I

iREE~

FIGURE 5

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1 .

NO. Y IRRIGATION (SERIES OF EIGHT ARTICLES)

POSITIONING DRIPPERS IN YOUR GARDEN

INTRODUCTTON

Dripper syste~s whe~ prope~ly designe~ and operated, can produce spect ~ular pla~t growth with ninimu~ a~ount of water when t: soil is free of competitive roots and hard pans. The drip irrigation system does not neve a wetti~g or d~ying cycle as use with sp~inkler ~n_._rl ~lOO~ ~~~~g~~io~ +he --a·e~ i- ~~~~ieQ; o-aily ~epl-o'-g .... _ -'-_ \..,; __ .... -'.. _'-_ •• , L!.. vi L __ ;:, c:.~!-,,,;,,_ _ ... _ Co ..:...!.!

~he wate~ used the ~av before. - ~~

The centre of The wet area~should remain saturated (short of oxygen), so most plane roots wil~ only grow in the ~ larger circular area. the micro fringe of wet soil. The wetting patter~ for one loamy soil at Alice Springs is sr:.OW:l in ?ig:-1re 1 ~.

TYPICAL DRIPPER WETTING PATTERN FOR A VEGETABLE CROP IN LOAMY SOIL

RECORDED AT ALICE SPRINGS

DRY SOIL 150:r.m DEEP

L. iN.T::R\'"Oi'TE: ~ AREA·

DRY SOIL

DRIPPER DRI?P::R If-oc<------1000mm----":O"'..,

k-500rnm

/

l"- 3COmm"i

SATURATED SOil

OVER lRRIGAilON C:..uSES DE::P DRAINAGE: LOSseS

HERE

QRY SOIL

i SATURATED I

SOIL

FIGURE 1


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:1.6.3 I TA.T ,,/

S(Hne plar:ts norma:'l:; gro· ... ) in w'et cO:-lUtions such ,";5 Eucalytpus c2c"taldulensis (River red gU!1:s). They g~ow in rive~s where the la~~ is D~riod~cally ~loode~ ?or Deny days, ot~er ~la~ts are ~row~ed in ~hese satu~ated seil conditions a~~ on1y survive on ridges ()l"' if: y.,l e2l drained soi.ls. "':r.is~aDDlies"to :T,ost fr~it Trees and vegetables. Drip i~~ig~~ion is designe~ to provide the best o~ both situaTions.

Water is supplied daily to ~ain~ain i~eal growing CODaitio~s by re~laci~g the water used the day before, a~d although the centre of ~he we~ area remai~s satcra~eG, the ~ic~cf~inge cO:l~ains un~forDlv ~oist~ 2e~ated soil. :~ a nursery plan7 ~s trans?lan~ed some distance f~oG the drip?er, 252 xm in the above :02DY 50il. then it can arrange its roots as it grows, into the soil wit~ ~he ~ost suitable moisture co~di"tions. Eov.1 ever, if ~he crip;;er is placed a-:: the tree bu:t, then only plan~s that can survive long De~iods of floo~ con~itions wil~ rh~ive. In 2ddition, l: a wetTing and d~y cycle is practiced, ~he~ roo~s will ~row i~to The area be:o~ ~te dri?Der and af~er ir~i~~-.: 0- sO~Q -."...,.: r T"'\' -n ..... """'''''''c'''s -,-,' ~.: - r-c-- s o~ +'\-"Q ~~_L_-'- c. J_.~ 0._ ....... 'y_C I.. _',-, _ •• !c.J '~":'C ~':= cU e _ wL ...

~e~po~2~ily saT~~a~ed (shortage of oyygen) co~~i~~o~s.

[very soil has 2 different weT~ing pa~ter~ a~~ although 2 drippe~ may wet only a small area of soil surface, 5 muc~ large~ onion shaped area is nor~ally wet below -: .'"1e ground.

Run 200 L of water ~hro~g~ a dri?per onto dry soil, -n- en "a~~ '2 h-"~~ 0" -0 2nG' G'ig "~ -~e ·_·-t s~~, A ". l .... _I....:.. •• u,-, ____ =- . _._ \".or ,-,j .... 0;:: ,-, __ •

typical wetting ?2tTern is shown in Figure 1 where the ~~ippers for 2 vegetable garden wo~ld be placed 1 ~ '~-,"-=-_1---'7 l·,...., I ~ne- ~ ...., ~,...a~..I.. ·To,·e".:=:......., - sinc'e -r~~ -,",--- - •• -_ •• ~ - ~.! c.:...> __ • r1 ... v .... _ ~ C. _ 0":" 1.. ......

n~gds O-~'! o"e ~~':~rQ~ un+il .:-~ c~n~~" ~~:l c~ve" _0'_"- ' ___ j ',' \":"'-;-'r--- ___ I......, _l.,-,:-,,,,,,, ....... _ '-' _

exceeds ::. mL C::-' ~he:'e is IT,ore th2r. 1 ::1 2 i~ the ca:10py leaf sp~ea~. A larger tree would nee~ a second dr~~Der.

S~a~e trees and s~r~bs ca~ be q~ickly established with cr·l°~ ':rr'Oa-l·~- T"'\L'- a G-~e- hole +0 ~~-~'K -~v ha~d l..J. Y _ -'-.;::, I.. '-'.::. ..LIS ... :-- _ _ -'_ :=~. c •• '" _

pen in ~";e soil') Than plant 2. neT";; t:"'ee in "the Tlorrr.al l,,,lay with water. ?2ace the dri~~er 300 to 500 ~m froD the butt o~ as indica~ed by t~~' soil wetting pattern so t~"Jat..rthe lOl ... ~er roots are (pn:0 iII the dripper wet zone as shown in figure 2, Step A.

~2J<:b:-:!";0::'7



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::; 3,

RECOMMENDED DRIPPER POSITIONS

T I I !

STEP A TrOl'lspionlln:;l - ?Ioce .only aMp roots In oroon sr.c;:Jac lOd!ll creo.

\-'rOfer fr.:.m c C;l~OE: ,.,111 $0':'1:. mlo c jm O,~mt:fer CrtiD of c loamy 5011.

wE~D FREE Mu ... CH \

,

.L

, t~ m:E.p ROOTS

WEi SC:!L

STEP C Af:e: 6 to 12 :r.o:'".ths -;rO"'lh, 1'10Il0l u:u m::x. l.~,C:1 en. cn;:lptr Mo;,@ ::::r,poer~ to ;;ermcr.!!1"11 pos,:,cn 1m from bull.

IDRi?P~R ~ M: . .!t.': 'i., r- (,()() mm --+J-:.~-

! ( F~===;;=7~== I /

I~m •.

i WET SOIL

1.

STEP B (11: ;:;:::;:;:;o~) Aftar 3 to 6 me.,l!", O~Olll'th, me .... Ih4I dnppcr 5DOmm Irom 1l'.1l free Oult. '"'oo!~ QIO'ool In ell dl:e~llons wr..", sotl is. c::::::~H:."\Oily m':;:SI4::'1'E1C 4.~. after rom or from CI;l;lllcry nse c! mOI~tur •.

, J /DRJPPER

: FSO'L s'·,..-A ..... E , v:;l" .... ...

lOCO"""

I l- iOO~O~m;;;m:;;:::::-~'~1 1.

o TREE LOSSES If me cripper rs!'71O::!I'1S ot 1t1.e b-ost of a frea the :.oturoted 50:1 1':'101' CCU!;~ ln5totldlty one anchor rcots to l:actwre.

ANChOR DR10PE7'!l ROO~S ~ ?OS:"O, ~ L.-<'::---.J,

SOIL SURFA::E ~ .

FIGURE 2


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P2ant c~owt~ i~~icates ~he root svste~: is expandi~g. After SbOLt three months, move the dri?per half a metre fro~ ~he tree butt,Step 3. A~ter six reonths growth t~e dri?per shoul~ be moved 1 m fro~ the butt S0 that the ~ain roots do not re~ain saturated - Step C. If the d~ippe~ remains at the tree butt and the tree 2~rv~ves the sat~rated can~it~o~s - then a 2 to 3 D t:igh ~ree ~ay be blow~ over in wi~dy weathe~. The constant rocking of the tree b~~ i~ the unstable, wet S021 may cause the tree anchor roo~s to fracture. Root rot may weaken ~he roots further a~d the tY'ee ITlay die~ or be b:own do~n i~ normal windy weather as 2hown in rig'~re 2 .D. (1:~ee l::Jsses)

NaTive sha~e ~rEes fro~ si~~:ar rainfall areas. o~ce

t2sta:;lis.:ec do no-: Dee;:: irri~atioil except curing I~rol;gh~s. ~owever, i~ is a good idea to Iulch the surface soil u~der t~ese trees to conserve moisture ~~ The soil a~d also TO protect it fro~ ra~nfa:: ~2~2ge an~ red~ce the rai~f2l: water runoff. Coarse 2ur~ace ~~lch is ~ecessary to allow water aCCESS to 'the soi':' c',.:rin£ shorT heave v rain s--::or:!lS.

DRI?PE? ?OSITIOKS ?OR ~?~I7 T~EES AND VI~ES

i0u~g ~~a~'Cs shou~d De treated s~~ilarly to s~a~e ~~ees i~_Secticn u, but once the tree or vine has ~ore t~a~ 1 m~ 0: canoDV ~~en a~ditional driDpers may be :c-?oL:.ired.

?rodcctive fr~~t trees need si~ilar a~ounts of water to the vegetable garde~. ~ore detailed inforffiatio~ ca~ be provided ~cr The co~merc~a~ growers of fr~it cr vegetajle crops.

A ~arge E 2 diameter canop~ ciTrus ~ree needs seven drippers (one to every ~ ~~ o~ ca~oDy cover) located ·~1·' a C'l'r~'e ..:,"5 ..... ",..,~G.,.- the p,-;c~ o~ ..... he c-~o~" l'n t·-.,~ -"... --...:. ._'''' L ..... ,.'-..:'-_' J. _'-~_ _:.. c..! • ...).", " .,_

shade as show~ i~ ?i~Jre 3~ A and B. ~hese driDDsrs ~o~2d ~eed to supp2y focr --::i~es --::he flow rate of ~he vegetaj:e gar~en dripper on :~e same system to give a s~~ilar wa~er supply.

~:-..-..,,,,, '-'~:l~'-' c"-"'-"-"c"-' .:~ ' .• ~ ~ r ~.::> ~_. -". '- ::> <:: '_';'- e '_ .... u _ ; . 2 hedge ro·,,,' :i ;;'....:re 3,2, ca::! be s~prllied ~i~h wa~er by 1: 1.·~ --~~a:=h~ d'~l-r~er' ~i.-.·es, ,,_I ;:'1...1. -e··~ -.t-".t-" -- - c~e

- . ~ . , on eac~ s:~e u~ae~ ~ne edge of the Ca~CDY.

Co~~ercial gra~e viDes nor~a:ly ~ave the dri?pe~line rs_tt:ached --::0 ""::;e -c::,-"ellis about SDD iT'.J:". c."jove t:--;e grour.c. where they ca~ be easi:y inspected as s~own in f~gure

l'suallv one dri~Der ~er vine ~s used, however, l: a vine is cc~nected to the ga~den driD systerri, t~en the 5rea of canODV will indic~te t~e nu~be~ of drippers req·...:ired.

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SUGGESTED DRIPPER ARRANGEMENTS

(A) ueMAIN 2 mm F R TRE£ WHEN US1NG 4l h DRIPPERS P' AN

/' I

"-\ 1

LATERAL 5mm _- OR LAPGER

,/..... ... ~

/ ' I , I -I-_-'--L_L \

-...J \~ / I ,

..... - / ORlPPERS 4l!h --

MATURE CITRUS TREE. I

I

\

,- - "-\

\ I t--'/ k--..l.\ -=-_IL... 3:' ED G'" or C A NO PY ,..' .<--_ .... ....1 ..... -, 1

, , I , \ 2m •

'.v£T SOIL

Em Oiome!er ~ottJre cit~us tre! with 7 ddppe;""s. Eoch df'i:::p~r S'J?p!!SS water to 4m2 of sell ul"'cer Ir.e car.ooy ~Jat1Ve sncde trees develop very lono teeD roct s,.'sje~s so CO r.ot reqUire:

"'co "" '~' __ I

\ I ,/

(8) C'TRUS WIDE S=ACED PLAN

ECGE OF TREE CANOPY

wi

Si w! IN PLt.N ~~I---r~~r-~~~~r---~r=~

/ I

I \

"---- DRIPPER \- BUTT Of iREE

W Q.

"-

(C) C""US HEDGE ROW PLAN

+ + ... -+- +-CITRUS CLOSE SPACED IN PLAN

z~~~~~~~~~~~ '" ::; L 8UTT OF TREE

(D) GRAFE VINES CROSS SECTION

,E Vl~

TR PO

ELLIS ST ,

M.,N ~

, 1-

wlTH OR1PPER: __ RIREL '''E J LATERAL 3IJR1ED 500mm ABOVE GROUND

1

J-

FIGURE 3

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1'::, •

, o ,_::- .

.g, corT€ctly operated &i~ Sj.'ste.r:l a::;'Jlies ',,;e:~er daily to replace :he water used jy The p~a~~ the day before. This daily applicat~o~ of sma12 q~an~iTies of waTer, -'~ov' d·os "ate'" e~~-: -I" .. ' a"a'; I -''''le I'~J -he pl -r~ f,,~ ;--'_ _ ~ w _ c..'::>..c_.'" '-' __ ...l.C~ _'_ ~_. __ c.1.. '- ..

maximu~ pro~uction. W2~er saving WiT~ vegetajle and or-'-',;n s"ch 0- ~al' -e ~~on "a~, ',~ '-"a~r; ec· o"~ a' , ....... ~-.g .,::> t::-.1.., .... ) .... ;:, I,: L. '-"- ....-, '-~. _c "'" _ _ ... :.. u ... ...:...J_,

~he vegeta~ive growth period, witt a small reduction i~ yield. Hc~ever, i~ the flowering to harvest stages (If growth, water must always be easily available to ~-i--e D' ant 's sh~rT --eo at ~h' s s~ 'ce ...... -., cause .;;.", o"e~s ' •• 1 ._.!, C ,...,;..c,cs .... ' L • ...:.. ~c=> J •• :::..", .L...:..' .... ~

.--.., ":-..,...,,'1' t to o·t~Y'''' -'''-d- """""""a'u~' t - c' - c- no-~ -u·al': -.; '_'~ ,:. __ • _ Q,.''-...'~'. C:J. l-'.v __ ':;; '-' i::;:: ........ v. '-: _..Ll.'.

:n~s shorTage ~s ~~adverte~tly ca~sed afte~ ral~"

wne~ drippe~s are shut eff fo~ several days. Rai~ ca~ on~y reDIace the wa~e~ in the (tr~ppe~s) ac~ive ~oot =0ne used the day before. Excess rain is lost to deep d~2inage a~d/or rL~off. 7herefore. drip~ers shoul~ only

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bE tu~"ned cff -:cr cne dev a:te::-- ~'a':"::. L.,~ ~~ __ ~,( .......... ' ...... .t;~~

Table 1 be:o~ s~ows ~axi~uD a~~ ~~ni~~~ irrigation ~'~IJ~i~eme~~s a~~ ave~a~e n~~jer c~ ra~~y days in t~e ~.~. nai~ centres. ?his ~s fer a ~ixed vege~able ga~de~

assoc~a~et witt g~c~nd cover as "v.~ater

sr:o',,;r; lfl

~ha~e trees and s~r~~s w~th hal~ t~ese rates, lCh7er. l~ature native annual irriga:icn j~st

·wi 11 survive however, g~owt~ rates wi:~ :~ees can be p~ovided witt before flower bc~s appear.

GROUND COVER INCREASE OF ANNUAL CROPS IS ASSOCIATED WITH WATER USE

100

70

PERCEr\TAGE a;GROUND COVERED 81 CR:)P

25

/ I

• ~G::: 0" CROP

FIGURE 4

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7 .

Teble 1

Irrigation Extremes and Rainy Day3 (Average) in the N.T.

LocaTion Minimum .4..:'"""L11Ual Rai...l'''lY Days

Ali ce Sp~i r:gs 10.5 mmid Jal1 3 • 2 l1lri1!' d J UTI wO

'Tenna..l1t CT'eoK 10. 7 rrV d Va:' 3.5 ITn:'jd J= 53

Kc.the:-ine 2.5 mmld Dec 5.0 mm/ d JtL-:: 77

7.3 JET:../e Nov 4.5 mEl G Jul

mm/d = L/m2 per day.

Mixed vegetable ga~dens of fully grown plants, without rainfall benefit. Calculated b~ the Food and Ag~icu2tural Organization method.

T Rs+ ~~,:::,t+~ ng D· "ttc>..,..,~ -'1i~ s.,.....~ce Q~T"'-i""""D0Y' ,=:s Y'eno""mOnr1Q,--l _i.,", _ '- ... ~ '-_. .." '-_ .... c:.. .... ,-,,:-_ .. _::' .. '-'_ ...... _ '- ~aJ. '-'._'-"'-~...... !J.

Section 3. ~awns are not normally irrigated with G".,..,.; D"QY'S no··eve.,...., .:,..., 80':-.18 r.7-:....e~·e infi 1-'-..,..,-,,,,:,,,.," on Y',=l';-es aY'e '.:....:..._~ ..... J.·,l.W .1.,...:....,1.':' _ ""l~.I. ...J...~ __ '-_c:..\...J.....I __ L. .....

low, and cause r~noff, success has been observed ove~ a three year ;,;eriod wit~ c.rippers bur-ied 150 to 200 mm deep. Water was 2?plied daily and apparently the sa~urated area around the dripper excluded oxygen from the soil, preventing plant root penetration in:co the dripper outlets. If a~wetting and drying cycle of seve~21 day du~ation is used, then plant ~oots will venture~into the dripper outlets and block t:'1em.

Australian gardens sho~ld reflect the clicate, eg, a lush greer:. la'i·n·-:; should be gr'o~ln in 'i.;re~ climates. Are2.s \.;ith long d~y periods should ~tili2e native plants (from simila~ rainfall regio~), that can provide attractive green g~ounQ covers with very little additional water.

Lawn with deep roo~ systems such as Do no' C·U'C'K'V ~o :~~l~-+~on or~ ~-:~ _~ •• .J.. • .;....., I.. "':" ___ O:::'J...J..l. _C..l..l~.

- bt=:> 0"' t=:>- ~ II ~Tl~ ":"'h-i "-·~n Cc.:1 ~ oa~n~G :Jy 2_ O ... _~.g !.. _5 ":"'C.WL

(compleTe ground cover), especially

native couch will res-Big savings in water

+0 r9,...... •• 0"+ when "",-";"'une Co ,-,.:..y WI.. w.o.!.. _

in hot dry weather

Many introdcced lush green lawns have a dor~ant neriod in cool weather and some also in very hot weather. One SO mm irrigation will last 2 long time below the 12w~ I!mulch lT at such "times even in very hot ;'-'"reather.

As new growth appears evapotranspi~ation will slowly increase 3.TlC norma.l irrigation cycles ca.:) be resumed. This irrigation pause can result in large saving of water especially i~ hot weather. The excess wate~·that would have been applied wo~ld be lost to deep drainage, carrying plant nutrients with it.

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"[~T' CO"~RO' ARC"'JT' """pD--~ 'Ii' ',_-, )-;1 L •• u, u .u;,~ . .LK...)

A ~ajo~ proble~ weed around dri?pers lS couc~ grass. It wil~ compete wit~ the yocng plants for nutrients and water to such an extent that the plant (young tree) will not grow. Couch grass ~ust be re~oved ~ro~ -~e a-e- r_'~.~;~ 1 ~ 0= t~e d~;~~e- One ~US1: .0. Jj; L.l _::::. "'_wJ • ..I. •• _ "J .J.. .j __ ..... ,1,....:-' _. ~ .IL

dig out every section of t~e couch grass or cover the area wi:h plastic. However, for quicker results, spray h'i~h Glypr.os~at~ (Zero of Rour;dup). The couch Dust be ac~ively growing for this weedacide ~o work as it does not affect the soil bet travels down the ?lant stems. It may take two weeks to move to all parts at tne ?la~t.

d:"~ec"'Cic-ns carerullv de nOL ~ig out ~~e apparen~ly ~eac couch as this may weedac~~2 reac~i~g t~e e~~s of t~e,sTe~s.

stop the

'-rtNt P.]] l1u:"'Ci:

The dyi~g ccuch may :Je CC\lerec: w':"th 2 100 :TwT~ (or more) o~ t~ick ~~lch ~o ~reve~t couch seed eDsrgence. The orig~na: cc~c~ an~-~he ne~ ~ulch wi:: bre~k dow~ by ~icro-~rga~~s2 ac~ic~ ~hen the soil is JT;ois~, to pr M •• ..; Me .,.....j -n ..... ...".-.,....,..; c'---

,-,V_,- .~'_c. ~ .:'-_.1. ......... <-.:;>.

I.~:llc~. ins~la~ps T'.n,e soi~ =~0~ .,....,a..;~f~ll Q"--ace a-d ·he ,_ __... ___ '_,J.: _ .;..;._0. _ C.;.I b .I.. ~ ••

heaT o~ ~ne s~n a~d so ~educes evaporatio~ and conserves , , r1 ,- " t' ..,j.. ......

S~:~ G01St~r~. ~orms :eeslng o~ ~e organIC maLLe~ w~:l aera~e the so~: so diggi~g is u~~ecessary.

SDC~ Sp~2yl~g ~ay be re~uired to cauch e~e~ging ~hrough the ~~lch

kill the last of ~he in the ~ext six mc~ths.

OTHZR :=J[AS

7he most e~~icie~t use o~ water and ~ertilize~ is nrovided ~~e~ all ~~e ~ee~s u~der the f~uit tree canopy ~re reS2~ec or k~:le~ a~d ~~e area is ccvered w~th m~lch.

T'\~l-""::;:''''''''C:: uc::::.:.r .. : ....... '" ~:,l,-.l- c~n h' a\te -n a-:,,--,l~'-'-+";-'r ef=';--'_ ~:-'.:-'~_ _ __ ........ _ L.l J.! __ ...... l _l • c., :-' ..... _ .... c. ~.J.~.. _.J.

,-_,t:.n.~\ ~,~ q:::c ··',..e- c,-,rr-,""""'" Q'ec:::::~n-~ a~,r ""po_a-ro=>"": _"" _j '-_ ~,-,'C W.:.: -..'. _'=' ___ j' .... -6' eu .L ..... '-' -- ~-'-

--- - ,-_:-/ .. b-s's ·'·""o=>r.::::.-- - '-"n --.,.,...,";,,'<1.:=.,...., r:'".'''=;·v' h-ve _'.: c ,-=..1..;..V c _ , .... l ... _c..:;: Co _c.w :::> ___ ':. _'-_ '-'_ .c.

~n:y a 50' to 75% a?p:~catio~ ef~iclency.

Couch from a area ma::l be nre\/ent ed from

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I invadi~g a rT2o~cr. f::-,ee H vege:able garce:1 by d.igg:"ng

a ~ m dee? trench 2rou~c t~e garden 2~d i~s~alling 2 vertica: plastic sheet. AI: joi~s must be sealed because I ccuch runners are a~~racted by moist~re. The joins should therefore be waterDroof.

T'he plastic sheet ca.n protr'~de 100 r:11" above g,ound supportec jy the 100 r:UT. dee? 7Jlulch. Any scrface r·J.nners that c:'oss this plastic barrier above g:,ounc' must be removet from ti~e to ti~e jefore ~hey root down in the clean area.

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39

NO. 5 IRRIGATION (SERIES OF EIGHT ARTICLES)

CONSERVE WATER AND SAVE MONEY - PLAN THE LANDSCAPING AROUND YOU~ HOME

INTRODUCTION

A large number of tall trees are sometimes planted in urban gardens 'tiith no thought to the future. These trees have to be removed later at great expense. It is wise to consider an overall plan including the present facilities and possible future improvements.

There may be such facilities as a barbeque area, a rotary clothes line, a garage and concrete area in the garden. Future additions could be a vegetable garden, a chicken pen and possibly a swimming pool.

These must be planned to be located in relation to the vehicle entrance, the house and vegetation. Leaves are a nuisance in the swimming pool, and roots can rob the vegetable garden of nutrients and water. The chicken pen can be rotated with the vegetable garden and water runoff from concrete areas and the roof can irrigate the deep roots of native plants and leach salts below the root zone. Be thoughtful when planning especially when positioning tree1shrubs.

LOW WATER USE

I I I I I I I 1 I I All areas of soil surface in your yard should be covered

with mulch, preferably organic mulch that provides nutrients as well as insulation of soil from rainfall damage and the heat of the sun. . I.~JI NT native plants, from a similar rainfall and climatJ~~ need very little irrigation once established. Plants can I be started with daily drip irrigation and when established, slowly weaned by applying larger and larger volumes of water (up to 400 L/dripper for larger trees) at longer and longer intervals depending on the weather until water is only provided during a drought.

SHADE AND SCREENS

Trees and shrubs must be selected and placed to give an overall pleasing effect when fully grown, as well as providing privacy screens, wind breaks and shade or sunny areas as required. In the southern Northern Territory, deciduous grape vines on a 3m high trellis, can shade a barbeque area in summer and provide a sunny area in winter.

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TALL TREES a;;;;;;fJ ~trX-i' ...,..,..ht~~ Tall trees should not ("be grown near buildings, becaus~ during windy weather, large branches could fall dnd cause. I costly damage. 1(.i/...., ~.e.&w CWA~~<M ~tt.~'f.

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40

Lopping of tall trees is expensive and the rapid regrowth is more easily blown down. However, pruning of less than 25mm diameter branches over many years can spread a normally tall tree to provide more shade. Generally, it is best to use small trees to provide the upper storey then shrubs and ground cover below to form a natural, pleasing, low water use area requiring little mainter.ance.

All falling leaves and branches would be kept as natural mulch to replenish the soil. A chipping machine or a rotary mower can break down organic rubbish to a size where it can be handled.

USE DECORATIVE NATIVE PLANTS

- -,-

~ ~ . There are thousands of/l native plants f~a similar~ climate and rainfall, suitable for' most araa.s of the Northern Territory. Search the bush - some trees or shrubs are rare. Plants in the bush will not transplant. Have them identified and obtain plants from a person who specifies in local ~atives. You may have to collec~ and supply the seed~ ~~.

Choose a combination of plants that will complement each other. some with decorative foliage and others with flowers. Select plants that will give the desired effect when mature. Some wattles have a short lifetand can protect a slower growing longer life tree. &! Z;:uJ

ufO ~ SOME PLANTS ARE A NUISANCE

Native couch provides a medium quality deep rooted lawn and can be used as a drought resistant ground cover that responds quickly to rainfall or irrigation. However, this plant can be a major competitor, using water and nutrients when it invades an irrigated area. An example is the wet area around a dripper where a new plant is being established. couch grass may have invaded a vegetable garden and is particularly troublesome in wet mulched areas. It can compete so strongly that it can stcp the new plant's growth.

At least 1m on all sides of a new plant should be cleared of this weed for normal growth to occur. Whi te Cedar (Melia azedarach) trees are a native of the Queensland rain forest and should not be planted anywhere near a summer fruit or vegetable garden. Athel tree (Tamarix aphylla), River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), and Pepper tree (Schinus molle), are too competitive to be planted near vegetable gardens. Athel trees after 30 years as a shade tree, suddenly found suitable conditions and have replaced River Red Gum on 300 to 400km of the Finke River and are still spreading.

[LCS]LCS-A035 EIK:SM1

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41

PLANT TYPE INFOR¥~TION ~~ ~

Visit Flgr~Pink~Reserve at Alice Springs and ask about purchasing local plant for your area. Also the Society for Growing Australian Plants, the Conservation conunission of the Northern Territory, and local nurseries can help in selecting a number of suitable native plants from ~

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rainfall area. Many plants that are sold locallyU I are unsuitable in your garden and wil: not thrive. Local plant have adopted over thousands of years to your soil predators and climate.~some are rare and may be hard to I findbuiMe-~~ :u...J.> ¥ A SMALL CONCENTRATED AREA OF HIGH WATER USE PLANTS

A water conservation garden should be the Australian type and reflect the local climate, not a European garden. Lush green lawns should be grown in high rainfall areas. In a climate where there are long dry periods, lush green lawns, fruit and vegetable areas that require high soil moisture levels at all times should be small in area.

High moisture levels with adequate nutrients are required for fruit and vegetables to provide economically heavy crops of good quality. Excess I.ater leaches valuable nutrients below the root zone where both are wasted and will pollute the ground water. Therefore, these productive areas, should be small and concentrated. The ground surface should be covered with mulch to reduce weed seed emergence and make the garden easy to manage. People in flats can use windm·; boxes to grow a few vegetables or flowers with good results.

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9. VARIETIES OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLES IN THE NT

Fruit tr~ss and the root stock must be of the correct variety for local conditions so L'1.at the tree will eventually produce fruit. Do not buy a fruit tree from a source that cannot provide details of the root stock. Just because fruit trees are available locally, does not mean it will eventually produce edible fruit in this climate. Each tree root stock is chosen for specific disease resistance, or tolerance to specific adverse soil condit-ions.

To use water efficiently, vegetables should be planted at the correct time of year, supplied with adequate nutrients and protected from insect attack. The latter can often be achieved by removing insects by hand, sometimes at night with a torch.

The Department of Primary Production Horticultural section can provide vegetable planting advice for all parts of the Northern Territory. Some varieties, particularly fruit trees, may not have been tested, however, unsuitable types can be listed for different areas, to shm. varieties to avoid.

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42

10. COMBINING FRUIT VARIETIES FOR WATER CONSERVATION

A large citrus, apricot, mango tree or grapevine etc., may produce fruit in excess of the household's requirements. Therefore to reduce waste and the size of the individual tree, plant several varieties including early and late maturing types close together.

An example could be several varieties of citrus, 1m or less apart, pruned into a tent shaped hedge row, or even planted in one hole to form a 6m diameter tree when fully grown. The large tree type such as a Lisbon Lemon will dominate4~w\d., ~ ~ ~.

Pruning the larger growing species will help to maintain some sort of balance in this tree and the hedge row planting. Three citrus planted in one hole could provide the whole family with lemons, grapefruit ,Qrearly and late oranges and mandarins in a 28m2 area, without waste. This is the ground normally occupied by one large citrus tree.

~ ~ these fruits are provided while only irrigating one , tree area. Water and costly fertiliser are also saved.

11.

Multigraft fruit trees are sometimes available, however, remember that varieties and root stock suitable for the climate and growing conditions should be chosen if good quality edible fruit is required. The area under the fruit tree canopy should be weed free and covered with organic mu:ch for most efficient use of water~ ~ ~ ~ ~ r...MI., ~<> U ... ,; .,.....,;r;;: COMBINING FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES TO REDUCE IRRIGATION


Vegetables may be planted under the fruit tree where they are protected from the weather, although vegetable production will be lower as the water and nutrients will be shared between both crops .. Fast growing vegetables need plenty of nutrients (organic and inorganic fertilisers can be mixed) to take full advantage of the water applied. Another source of fertiliser to help use I the water more efficiently can be derived from rotating the chicken yard at least annually with the adjoining vegetable garden. IJdl ~ ~,£ ~ ~, ~ ,.k U~· I To reduce effort in weeding and cultivation, the vegetable garden should be small and covered with 100mm of organic mulch.

12. CONCENTRATED VEGETABLE PLANTINGS TO FULLY UTILISE WATER

Vegetable planting in the home gardens should be concentrated to maintain a complete ground cover over the mulch. An example is the use of maize planted thinly, then tomatoes transplanted to use the growing maize as tomato stakes. Shorter plants can be grown below.

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43A

Lettuce and radish seed can be planted thinly with carrots. The lettuce and radish will soon be harvested after they have protected the still small carrot plants.

The organic mulch will have to be pushed back to open a broad vee, so that seed can be planted and emerge without interference from the mulch. Young plants can be transplanted into a well rotted thin layer of mulch near the existing carrots. However, make sure the roots of the new plants are firmly placed in the soil below the mulch.

To obtain the best water and nutrient utilisation try to maintain, as near as possible, complete green-leaf groundcover where harvested vegetables reveal younger growing plants. ROO~~;;!eable holes when harvested must be filled with soilAto protect small plants from drying out too soon. Worms active under the mulch will aerate the soil to save cUltivation.

Books can be purchased through organic gardening groups, listing companion plants that grow best together. These ideas are worth considering.

13. Raised Vegetable Garden

.

Often tree roots, couch grass and root knot nematode invade your vegetable garden. Instead of using poisons for control, a raised concentrated vegetable garden can be constructed. The raised garden can be completely separate from the normal soil by placing a heavy duty plastic sheet at ground level below the raised pot, making a waterproof seal as shown in figure 1. Coarse river sand or similar material 50 to 100mm deep should be placed below the soil in the pot or container, so that excessive moisture ca~n~ __ ~ drain and the arden does not become waterlo ed. ~

;;~ /""Wz~ g,.., ~ &t~ ;Z;/ ' ~ ~~il-- ' ,f '.0~a¥J~~Cf? ~ C4>v 4Iu f- r~ , ) - ,O'"'ld 'T'V'·",s

Tyres have the to form larger

Nutrient Rich including

~

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sheet under timb~ iron or other old materi1l

.- i'?f!CV'CI.E.D

Plastic sheet G.1. Wire or bol to hold walls together

Figure 1 Concentrated Vegetable Garden separated from Couch grass and Tree roots.

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14.

43B

Make sure the drainage holes are not obstructed or covered with soil or weeds. If so tree roots, couch grass runners or nematodes may invade your new garden unseen. Most soil'obtained away from habitation is usually nematode free. A soil consisting of 50% loam and 50% well rotted animal manure should be sui table for a concentrated garden. Care must be taken not to introduce nematodes into the new garden, with contaminated soil on tools or new plants.

Arid Areas - Trap Rainfall for Shade Trees A shady car park area with a loamy or clay soil surface becomes so compacted that rainfall does not penetrate and nearly all

I I I I

runs away. Shade tree in the car park suffer, as they are deprived of water. Trenches or pits can be formed (close IZ:;;.)~ 3 to 5m from the butt of the shade tree, on contour t;;.", r.o---~:.<j intercepting rainfall runoff. The trenches can be driven ~), over when filled with even size rocks and topped with filter cloth and blue metal. Water runoff is trapped and stored between the rock, slowly infiltrating deep into the soil root zone storage.

.--Figure 2 Trap Rainfall Runoff for Shade Trees Benefit

Wlil ER V/fflFR. FlOW ,/ F

T - ~MITi: - Y LOW_

A . ~,I2€.tllc@ -rI?EE TRAme

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~~ .,/ pLAN. 7'~"rB ~ 5EflLEJ) OR UNS£AI..EJ) CAl< 'PARK.

SftoBr (Wct:: FILL.£]) TRD/CHES ToCOU~CT I;.}A7C!<.

-rR;;:r..;CHES TO COLL£cT 1/000MAt. RilIA/FRaM IRfiIGRTrON',

WHc'N rHE'Y FI1.L,FJ.OO])fI.!l//y'<; t.JOULlJ F'L..OIJ OVL::!?

VEHI(J..c CAtv' Df?/VE o V/::7( /?,OCK F/t.L£D '"17?£NCHE.S.

liD ---



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43C

15. Conclusion Plan your landscaping for convenient and easy management and efficient use of Hater for the future. Use NT native plants from a similar soil and climate particularly in regard of rainfall, to reduce future water requirements. Do not bring in exotics that may escape into the environment. There are thousands of native plants from which to select those suitable to decorate, shade and screen your yard. Select suitable trees or plants in the bush but do not try transplanting. Most if not all Hill die. Have the p~ant identified at the Herbarium AZRI and buy a potted plant from a person who specialises in local species. Large trees should not be planted near buildings or over selo,age lines.

Frui t and vegetable areas should be small and concentrated and provided with adequate fertiliser, and Hi th Heed, insect and disease control, for efficient use of Hater. Correct varieties should be planted at the right time of year. Lawn areas should be sma 11 and there are many native ground covers that do not need mowing or irrigation once established and that can extend the greenery around a lawn.

To reduce labour the bare soil surface should be mulched, to insulate the soil from rainfall damage and the heat of the sun as well as reducing Heed seed emergence. Organic mulch provides nutrients, hOHever sand, aggregate or stone, inorganic mUlch, is quite effective as a soil cover. Neighbours Hho burn or cart leaves, prunings and grass clippings to the tip may co-operate and provide you Hith additional mulch. This is a cheap source of valuable nutrients.

Couch grass and other plants Hi th underground runners must be removed before irrigation can be effective especially when mtllch is used, so that Hater can be most efficiently utilised. Do not over irrigate or valuable nutrients Hill be leached by the water belovl, the root zone) Hhere they are both Hasted and may pollute the ground water. Plant nutrients,are pollutants in drinking Hater.

The concentrated vegetable can be in a raised garden separated from tree roots that rob moisture and nutrients. A Haterproof plastic sheet will keep the tree root, couch grass and root knot nematode fron spreading through the ground to your neH garden.

Rainfall can be trapped in rock filled trenches as it runs off the compacted soil surface of a shady car park. Vehicles can be driven over these trenches and vlater trapped in the trenches,has plenty of time to fill the tree root zone storage.

[LCS]LCS-A035 EIK:S&~



Viewed at 14:07:33 on 29/07/2010 of 72.

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I

I 0 0' 0 , 0,

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'if

Nil r. J RRI GATIO'j (j., SERIES or 8 ARTIe:.::::;)

~ow TO A?PLY TH: COR~[CT AMOUN~ or WAT~R TO LAWNS IN THE NORTHERN TERRRITORY

(Especially when us~~g au~omatice spri~ke~ syste~s)

Ap~licatio~ Ef~iciencv ~( -

A correctly designe~ and ope~ated sprinkler irrigation system ~-~ An -D~lO l'c-t'on ecc~cl'encv 0: ab~u· -/~~ 7·r.e~e s~oulc' ba !,e._ .<_ c .. "" c, _ J. .1.:.. _ .'._ ..!. v '- '-' :;. _. _ J. ..-

~o water loss to surface run-off as t~le sprinkler application r2-:e s~ould. be much lower than t!-Le soil infil t:r.->ation rate. No pools will then occur O~ the lawn. Water loss to deep drainage or below the root ZOne shoul~ be small~ the major :oss ~ei~g to eva?ora~icn while ~he water is i~ the air.

:nfil~ratio~ Rate

:f spray a~plicaticn rate is fas~er than infilT~aTio~ the~ wate~ will pool in low spots. This wate~ pool has a much lo~ge~ ti~e to infiltrate an~ pe~etrate much deeper t~an water O~ ~he high s~ots w~e~e the extra water ca~e fro~. If water :.- ~r"'~:.!e~ .ro;'" .L"'r~c ""'0·,C""'..-., o~ ~'e ""r,.!c ...... -"o~s -,-., ..... h- ..... .,; ..... -~ d.~-'.i-'_- <..oJ .". _ '-.J.'~ e!l u;::,;. .J c.... ;j.:..~.! bF c.. ;:'v L C. L .... c..

;'enetrates the fu~l dept~ of t~e root zo~e, then ~uc~ of ~he water in The :ow SpOTS ~il: be lost belo~ the ?la~t reo: zone. Application efficie~cy may be o~:y 50%.

I I I I I I I I I

~ve~y soil has a differe~~ i~filtratio~ rate. This ~epends '-j:-: the size of the caDillaY':'es ir, -:he soil, v:hich is related I ~o soi2 structure and't~e size and distrib~tion of soil particle ~l'-\l~e 1 g'vp<"" -....., ":"""c'.i~a""'-io~ 0= ...... "e "ate~ ~e"""\<=>"""r>a"""":o~ c'ep-·h in - ~-~- - --'- -~ c..l. _ .. _'- ,-_.J _ L., W _:-> •• --.1.._ 1.._.1.. ' c.. _.:.

o~e Darticular sandy loam compare~ with a medi~~ loam. Usually I ~ sand has a very high in~iltration rate and a fine soil scch 2S a clay loaD, a low i~filtration rate.

SOAKAGE RATES ON TWO DIFFERENT SOIL TYPES

SANDY LOAM MEDIUM LOAM

=, ~~

i SX~ , I , =,

I ~ 600' w

"",[ < " 0 0

'00 ~

"1'1""( I~' HOJRS

FIGURE 1

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3. La;...'::: ltJa"::er Reouire:-:1er:ts

The (United Nations) Food and Agriculture Organisation (fAO) method (Reference 2 and 3) is used here to calculate the plant water ~eeds as shown in Table 2. Average pa~ evaporation, hu~idity, temperature and total wind rUn for ~o~e than 20 years is used to proved average water use figures for a perennial green grass lOO Ill::! high. Lawn water use can be divided into two extremes; case A eeual to the Derennial g~een grass 100 ~T. high and case B at half that rate.

The description of case A lawn is lush green blades, mostly neH vigorous law~n growth SO I1lffi high4 Case B lawn is a normal coarse type with thick stems showing and blades :nos::ly Did, wi th seDe ne~N growth gro~.,;ri.Y1g slo"l'\rly.

Adequate fertiliser helps a lawn to use water more efficiently.

The water requirements of :awns class A and B when the application efficiency is 75% for Alice Sp~ings, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin is shown in Table 2. The rates are 8m/day averages for each month. Whe~ unseasonable v.,Teathe:"' occu~s for several days, "then these ra-:es can be VaT'leo.

Rainfall Benefi-:

Table 2 also assumes no rain~211 rainfall listed below in Table 1 during the wet season

. . In DarWln.

benefit. Some of the will be usee, especially

Table 1 : The Ave~age Annual ~ainfall (for the fo~r centres)

* Alice Springs 246 = :': T°1'tlla""'';'- Creek 352 m. .. 11 _J._. 11:" • .... : Katherine 952 mli :: Darwin 1625 ffi;7J.

N · 11 . - "" o"'C 2. r2.ln.raJ...-:.. is of be~efit to the plan~; 1 0 r.J:'~ 0 f ral r.. may nea~ly all evaporate the next day. A short sharp sno\.Jer of 50 ;n;"7[ may :1ear~y all be lost to run-off and very little will infiltrate the soil. Rainfall that ente~s the soil iWDediately after irrigation w~en the root storage is full is of no bene~it and will all be lost to deep drainage.

o • Rainfall of 10 :1"J71 supplies 18 ~_./rr,L over the area so it lS

simple to det~rmine how much water is needed; e.g_ to supply 50 ;TID to 20 m, requires 50 x 20 = lOOO L.

LI K : el : 183


I I I I I

Technical R

eport WR

D85041

View

ed at 14:07:33 on 29/07/2010P

age 48 of 72.

--------------------

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•

47

5 • SOil Wate~ Storage

Water available ~o ~he plant is the amount of water held in the ~oot zone, ~rom field capac~ty (full), to wilting point (empty). Fielc capacity is when a saturated soil has

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lost water to grav~ty (after 43 hou~s) but none to evaporation. I Wilting point is when a plant shows physical stress because of lack of water anc collaDses. There is still water i~ the soil but it is held too tight for the plant to use. Figure 2 snov}s diagr'aillJI'Ptically, the r,..7ate~ he.lc in the soil. Table 3 I shows the approximate ano~nt of water available to the plant ; n va~ious SO" I S ~ano":~,...,. '::rom cO-Y'~e ~o "eru ';:":"I"'Q ...... -x+"rc'"' _J _'.J.. ..J..._ _ ~~o...l..:';E- _ >. c_.... L V J ..:. ..J...~:,- '-~ • \..\...0. ~_

soils.

M~X1MUM

WATER

I .l

SOil MOISTURE QUANTITIES

;-r-"'/-r-,~.,.--- SATURATION

I--'----"-~'---"""_+ __ FIELD CAPACITY

CAPlLil.ARY

- - - - - - - _ -l--- PERMANENT \',IiLTING POJNT

""'~" HYGROSCOPIC

~'--~" __ '~'~"~L-___ OV£N DRY

T STO'iAGE CAPACITY AVA:LASLE

1

FIGURE 2


E:IK:jer:184 I I I


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ReCO:TLi1IE:1ded Des:'[,r: V2.1:,Jes for Available h'ate:-,

( P " _,e..: •

:::and FiTle Sand c~l"';"\' T o'~ ,-.,~~jU~ "-' 0::,

:-ir:e Sendy Loar:. LoaD 2il ty Loa:r, i.,ight Clay Loa:n ;_=lay L02;:-]

heaV\l Clev _oaD (l a::l

No.9 t,·la-::e::'"' .:\esources Vol.2 ?age 93)

rou~da~io~ 3ulletin

',,'et er Avail able (ITcTjrn)

SO 75 110 11..;1]

170 275 :'75 165 2.~O

lLO

Where the 2.ct~21 wa~e~ holding capacity o~ the partic~lar 20il has bee~ ae~er~ined~ the~ the values so obtained shoul~ be used instead of th:'s ~able. :he capaci~y of the soil ~ese~voi~ is clearly the volume o~ available water within ~~e ~oot zone system, so ~u::iply The ava:'lable water in ;~-'~-I'~ -D'" _ ..... .=. d'p~t' of - ....... e ~~o- 70re l'''' ~ t"', r,'-.~ai~ T'~e "l-J •• J.; .' L.:... -1-''' _ ..... .:.. '-' l ",-,.J l. :", v....,.u ~ _.1 J.

2-v,;;,ilable h7ate~ :"n the root 20:-',e i~ :T,~'E. ?or exam-ole: a 53~dv loa~ w~ich has 110m~!m of avai:able watE~ whe~ the grass roo~ deDth is 2.75 ~~ the~ ::0 x 0.75 = 52.5 mD o~ water in ~he root zo~e.

~- A D-an+ \l":lT'- ...... h~~.: ...... ;...,-- s~onD::::''''':; ,....."..,o··:ng ~ t::j, "...:. " ... __ ~ L •• ~ •• .:.. j;c.::;, '-:-. _\..l e,.:. ... ..:.. • The wate~ deole:ion before regular irrigations is 50%; however S0~e crops such as s~rawberries and ba~anas pro~uce increase~ yields if water dep:etic~ is not allowed to drop below 2Q% (80Se, n01: used).

s.

Whe~ t~e ~lant is fully develo~ed lawn root ~ay vary from ::(1"'" :0:"-' SD ; i ~' .... ~ 1 "':"j- - ...... "1 t-f""\,,", n-t':·, 'le"' .J_l_ IT:n "- " _; eC_B _ _ ).);_ a ...... ::;" LO _ Tn '-'_ .,Co ..:.. \. e cow. .. ,

1"".0,,7, "';c,"l-h l'S rna'n'" l· .... .c":'·p-,,-,e....: ~-'\' D"n~ s~CCl-eS' "o'"eve'l" _~ '~'=-~ L • ..:.. .... ~y •• .:. _1..0._1.,- ~ -'." ~...:.c..;--,_ ,,l' W -

---,,-,.- i ...... e.,-·'.....,~ -;-,"'; d~-"""o~ of co""''''''''''c+io'''-' TTl-" ....... ~d·"'""e no.,....,ma l ';:;-..J':"_ L I',~w. __ C.l.-": "=6-"':;;; .j.~-,'-'-._ •. ),C,,Y .1.',= "'_ • .1.,,1_

rOOT pene~r2tlon, especial:y when hard :ayers cal:ed p2~S exist in ~he soil.

~0il ~oist~re senso~s placed at 0.3 and 0.6 of the dept~ ,:,f the nla~t ~oo~ zo~e can be used to co~trol water aDDlicatio~ when usi~g automatic irrigation systems.

As the so~l d~ies to 50% depletion 2~ either o~ these ,je~Lr:s irrigation is co;n."7:encec.. This overco:nes the probleD of r2infa~1 benefiL. Ho~ever when time co~trol systems are used without Doisture sensors, then month~y p:ant water use a~~ the caoacity of the root zone storage DUS~ be known, to facilitate ~alcuiation of the water time tables.



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Q v • :SxE.7nnle

•IT m·'S~.D '"" em""'r-~s"se" ti-.=>+ ha1~ ..... h o "a~er -va;la,le _ "l.... I.. I ~ 1,;--_.0...... .... ~j<;";'1.. __ L _ ,,",' L. C. __ ;..>_

In the root zone is the amount of ~ater needed to refill the root zone during each i~~igation. Irrigating with smaller 2ffiounts of water more often results in a greater less of water to evaporation from the so~l surface and the dea~h of the deeper roots as the lower soil dries out. Excess water ap?lied g~eater than the plant uses, results in nutrients being leached below root zone and bot~ the valuable nutrients and wate~ is wasted, 2S

shown in Figure 3 Hhere SOmm is required 'Der irrigation.

DEEP ROOTED LAWN

V REGULAR WATERING

X WASTE WATERING x INIT'A' WATC'RI~r ~ ~

, " i REGULAR WATERiNG

t . . :-, "~~i~;, :.-S~ .;~~ ~o;'f'i ed .. i

I I . \ "'1 \ I if \1,,,1) ( ) J , T I Dry Sendy Lcam Soil

~ ~ 1\, 'It' 'I C' V,' I \ '\ \ I ,I n i'{ I

1(\1)'11\\ I J )! I) 1 I! ~

I

, I f

lil')ii!ili 1)11: 11 Hi) , j l' JI j!1 ,

$ $ , E).cess woter has almest no bsne-fd 10 the p!ont end e05t~ you $ $ $ end may leech eJCpe!'lSiye nu!nents beyond tne roct zone

s t $

FIGURE 3 The quantitv of water to be 2Dolied to the lawn a~ Alic~ Spri~~s by 2 sDrinkle~ ~~n be deter~ined glven +h o =O;10··..: no l·~~or~a..;.....;o~ L.J '- ~ ..;..._ W.l.. r, ~.J. ;ll L_ 1 ••

~':

:':

;':

L - .. " ~o~~'ncr de~+h (n'~;"e cO·u·c·.n) c.w~. ~ vl...:.. •• h ~..... l.C",_v _

Available wate~-i~ 2 sandy loan soil Table 3 Daily water used in January Tab2e 2 Daily water used in June Table 2

l 171

-1_"0 I m:n 1::

11 mw/day 3.5 lTun/day

(2) Initial irrigation is the f~rs~ irrigation to a ma~u~e lawn where the soil is so d~y that the lawn has stopped Growing and all the availao2e wate~ in the root zone has been used. EcltiDlv the law~ rootin~ depth in ~ by the available w~ter in a sandy loa:n soil in m:n/m froer. Tajle 2 which is nocc'1'.

1 m x 110 mm/m = 110mm.

I:I!<:e2:191


Technical R

eport WR

D85041

View

ed at 14:07:33 on 29/07/2010P

age 52 of 72.

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:~ :J':=J ':\ ri 0 '0 1--'. "\:'J flq (D o < Ii rI 'j'Q f-'· I-~ I'. I-j

([l ro J' :--,' I-_S ro < U1 n. 'i en ill ,-) (f) ill (ll 1 {j} I'D 1-" en ') r1> '0

I J. C: D. rq C ,-t ([) Ij 'i (D '0 OJ 'j :)' () Ii (D (f) ') ,t (\) (l) 0

ii, 1_'_ 1--'. (ll I" :-j ') '111 d '.j'Q {Jl 0 'i t~t ~ j1J OJ ::J': J (f) :=J ([) CD ill 1--' ..... , OJ (l)~: ~11 (f) :J :=.J (l) .... 1 (I.. I) (f] C rt 0. OJ (l) -..... (------' (l)

Jq r I IJ· OJ V) III :s 0, ill ~'en 'Ll () .-t f t OJ

CI) "I.) rlJ ([) 0 rt ",1 OJ rt 1---' C :J 'i fD 'i ::::IOOI----"{/i ')(l)

O.C: 0 0 ffi ():::l (fi cI

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f J r-t :-j '-< IJ· r::: o I" (J) :-j If) 'j :;;:: 0 :J ({) t:J' d· CD

() :=J 01 0 ({) 'j (II I'· 0 ,- J , t I" 1-(1 d ') lD jlJ ,-. ill ::1 tT 0 () 0 ~1 >-:) O. fD C '1 (I 1------' (l) Q. ro d If) It) 0 OJ 'j d 0, 1-" 0

~ IlJ O()(l)OO

,oj C fU '::j CI.:J ~ ill {Jl :J I-------' rl ~ (J) ({) 0, ill :3' l----h Hj (l)

c: r+ (D 0 0 'j &1,.J I-------' 1--'. (f) Ii >-i 0 ri- OJ:J:=--I I'·

~f J. 'i 0 ,t OJ jlJ .--t OJ ::::I '}1) 'i :3' 1 '.:-J ::J' 1-

:)q (l) ro 111::::1 OJ 1 '1 ~ ,+ (j) d

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fjl

<J 'i ]_J.

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-

'_n (-" ~JJ

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::::1 r. r. ::l [--, 1-' ------. 0, OJ r,,) 'i

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cJ)Q OJ 1--' IlJ

1_', ( t CI.. ill I-J· fl! rl. 0

'<. :j rtJ [f)

II -< (() 0

-, Ii I I)

u' '< '" h) I----' 01

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-

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en '1.-)

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(T" ,--:, -0 f::, ',--1 "", '-'., I-t. '" i'----'-,1J ') 'J' ->: '< (F' ru

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y tJ ((l 1 __ ' • OJ I-------' 0, 0 :=J ro :=J c: r;-'(f1

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~' ~ (Jl

, I 1--" OJ t:J'::J Ul < ro OJ

OJ ro en ,---" :-J en i-'

§ I

- -

UI I

I;')


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•

7.2 SDacing of Sprinklers

7.2.1. Sprinklers with measurec un~!ormi~y coeIIlcien~s. If tes~ i~formation is available regarding the measured performance of sprinklers in condiTio~s similar to those existing in a design situation, suoh infor:r.ation should be used to selecL spri~kle~ spacing to produce the best uniformity coefficient.

7.2.2. Sprinkle'!"'s wi -:no'J.t measured unifoT'r.2. ty coefficients.

I I I I

:v-Ihen uniformity coefficients are not available, a s?rinkle:r' I shall be chosen \-;hich, w'hen operating at the minimuJT. pressure in the sprayline produces a design diameter of a wetted C""'c1" (~) 0= ~O"'" ies- ~ha~ -'-1--,-..:.... .,....,e"o~~"nc'er b'~ .... 1-,.:=\ ...:...- __;...t .l.. ~- '- -'- ;::, '- l; I..~;':::'l. .:. ~ ..i.J.JL __ l """' Y L.4_ I manufacturer for the s?acing adopted, O~ that given by the r"ollo·'·"-'g =or· ..... l~;ae uhl'c,",eve'" Q'ia..-.,.ot-o"Y' lC: -7'-h" C'T'e~~eT" It • ...!.."" .1. _ ;,1\"",...:.. ,VVl. ~. ..:. _ 'H ..... '-___ _...... _ ..... 0- __ L _.

(a) Rect~lgular spacing. ~ = 1.3 times the diagonal O~ 2.55 times the length of the lo~ge~ side, whichever is the greater.

( b)

( c)

Square spacing. D = l.3 ti~es the diagoLal.

b

TRl.z\NGUL An SPACING

-r----~O~' ----------------~~~--~---

1, /" \

Ib\ D, /,

!

9RA'f !...lN~S

, o = SPRI t>;KL E RS

fiGURE 4

= dis~ance

= dis t afl.ce

between sprinklers In ad~acent parallel

beL~een adjace~t parallel spraylines.

I I I I I I I I

- -SDraVlil" 7.2.3. Sprayline spacings. Sprayline spacings required ~o

I prov~Qe uniformity cf application under diffe~e~t wind conditions are as give~ here~nder:-

Wind conditions Sprayline spacing as percentage of design diameter of we~~ed circle

1"'io -r,.;ind 4 knots (7_km/h) or less 4-9 knots(7-l7 km/h) over 9 knots (17 Kmlh)

I:IK:jer:210

65% 50% 50%

22-30 96

I I I I


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"

:he ~ZS s~~inkler spac~ng fer spray i~rigat~o~ system is recorr.r.,e:-:ded; eX2::1ples are sho' ... 7n i:-I Ta~le 4.

~, x

'.' c.

(. x

~! x

)

f, .

1 'i lL! 1 8

" 0

" ~ .-

1 " J ,3

J '2

?<in. Dia. Covera£e

( ro )

, 1 M

· .' u .- · .. 1 8 S 2 J · 7 2 7 · 9 1 2 0

16 ;:: · " '9 " 2 .

" . .-, L j 9 ,', i' 1 L

, -

1

1

2

Spacir;g ("")

2 x l~

1 b

21..; 4 x 1 L! ,

8 -2ll

8 x ~ 8 2 4

0 x 2 J 2 2 " j L

'1:::. Dia. Coverage

( T:1 )

'2~ · 1 2 8 1 j 7 2 " 0 7 L · 2 9 6 :J 7 2 j 3 · 1

0 S 0 · 3 6 · 8 ? 7 8 4 3 7

PLAN OF SPRINKLER OVERLAP PATTERN

, X

WITH S?ACI~JG 12)' I';r;; SHOWN IN TABLE ~

t

/\ '. .- .-, /. 14m

/~ Weltered

12m >

~K'------- I \ .' , I (

)' ,

\! DlO., '

,

'I, / \ I \

..,. 1m

/

"-" / \

\

/ I /" Y ,A.

A

' ...... , ", .', j /\/' /\ / -_ _ ,.- '; I " ,/ f '",.' _. \

iY~~ \, I --><-- ~ --><--J t::= ± ± l~ AA CROSS SECTION

OVERLAP PROVID~S EVEN WATER DISTRIBUTiON Sprinkle", ()(l

-r,===~~~~===1=:;;~~%W27ZZ1f,z~~~~;::=1'===~~~::=1 P,pelme _ -- J,mh!;I/;ilXw1$2w;;71II1/1I/)) _) ~mm WeltlnQ pOHern 01 ,Ofl,foctory pres. .. ure

FIGURE 5

",,, . - .4j:



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R:C:FERENCLS

1.

2 •

j •

" ~ .

BURTON, J.R.

DOD ?ENBOS, J.

'Kl- ;:>A~RTC'K ;- I . L ••• 1"" -'- .. , ~. •

N. Z. STP,J~DARD CODS

EIK: jer: 210

53.

Wate~ Storage On The Farm Bulletin No. 9 Volullie 1 Water Resou~ces Founda~ion Aus~ralia, August }963.

F.O.A. Irrigation & Drainage ?aper No. 2'+ Guidelines for predicting crop water requirements (Northe~~ Hemisphere only). 1974 . A co~y is held in ~eDt. Primary Production, Darwin library.

A Met~od of Estimating Evapot~anSDira~icn of all- crops by us ing a J=reen Gras-s ~eference crop, no~ published. Lepart:Tlent of ?!'imary Prodt:ctior, ~ . ~., 7% 0 - 1q--~a!'w~n tl~e ~ ~L~ _/0

Code of Practice for:-1"7'~-e D"'si P"~ anG" (l";:;...,...,a .... .:on o· ~l! _ -0'" l' '-'1---.1. L..L • .!.

Sprinkle~ Ir!'igation Systems Netric and ImDerial Units~ Standards Association of Ne r ... , Zeala::!d. NZS 5103 1973.


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, 4 •

2AV~ WATER BY I~?ROVIKG WATER DISTRIBCTIC~

firstly Law~ ~ose S~r~nkle~s ana Secondly Detai: of of

L.A\·IN SPRINKLI:RS

I I I I

1.1 Water Distribu~~on

~any lawn hose spri~klers used i~ the garden, Dlace only 50% of the ~a~e~ ap~l~ed in ~~e roc~ zo~e soi:" sto~age," W}1ere it is 2vailaj~e ~cr p:an~ use. ~cweve~ properly ,~~:::;~ '--;00·· and' ,-..-:"'c ..... ,.:;-~"'"i '"',-..~,re~c' ~l s·,c::';"e:n- ""'':;'! ~'a"""r-, /.'" __ =_:::,_0__ . '"". __ ~_'-''-~<'''': '- ....... ~., __ c ) .... _.:;, .1, __ .... .!-"_ .......... ''-'

50% of t~e water app:ied in ~]1e roo~ zene s~crage. Water is lost to eva~oraTio~ surface ru~off and oee~ drainage below ~he root zo~e.

to

:?ri~kler app~~:27~on rate shou:d je GUC~ lower th2~ the ~cil i~filTra~io~ ra~e. AI: water s~ou:~ inf~ltra~e ~here i~ is t~ro~~ by ~~e sprin~ler a~~ sho~:d no~ r~~ to :ow spo~s. O~~er~ise the pools w~l: slc~:y infiltra~e ~D deep ~rain2ge a~~ ~ig~ s?o~s where ~he ~a~er has ru~ fro~ will no~ ~eceive su~ficient water to ~ullv ~et the roo~ 3cne. Not all soils are sci~ajle for spray ir~iga:~cn -,ccause e"e~ ~hc> ·~C.Y'\.T "'0" pre.-.-i~':T"-T"l':l-' S-:l......,.:~'Klp..,.-,c.. -Dply .... ~ V."-.~'-~-J-""' ~_.!-"_<..c::.<.._J' !"" __ .:..,, __ ~_c.."

W5~e~ too fast. A~so the longer ~he ap?lica~ion period ~he greater t~e loss ~c wind and evaDora~ic~.

I I I I I I I

1.3 v,:ater Pressure

1 . L1

_,e.·wn hose spri~:,,:"e:-'s 1..ln:'i~e cOITJT.srcial spri:lklers ce nOT I have The ~an~fa2:urer!s recomDe~ded press~re ra~i~g, as c,btained by tes~ing, :e provide the best water dis~ribution ~ressure. Sprink:"ers operated a~ toe high a ~ressure I ~rod~ce sma~l dro~le"ts thaT easily eva~orate a~d can be :")'~nsn.O"r"'~PG-' -r-" ,,:-;:..,"':; :-'CO\'cn--1 - .... co -in:"e-co'c,:"', 2il~l-i "",,--:-';on -""e-, __ d'l,- -' _ w..... .l..!y ",_.,,- -'_~ l..: L.l: ..... _. ~ ....... l..: :-::-'~_ ..... c_.J.. c_ c.

Lower t~a~ o?:i~u~ ~ressure ca~ses :a:-ge dro?le~s t~at are I thrown to The outsi~e of the circle leaving a ring of very \,.:=7" SOl'" an~ a """=:l;::T-i"~:\, c-.,...,·, '="""e' clos=: -7,,.-., + .... co s'-""'-'i-,'.t-le""-' ', __ ~ ~. '-' • ___ '-_ v ..... ~., _.Y ~_ c. _ ~ ~V <..l:~ }-" __ 0.' -

he a·:: . -, -' -

reducl~g va~ve O~ mal~S p~essu~e to g:ve of wa~er. Mains ~ressure ~2y be ~:c k?a

l-rr' g~t;on t"J"'2-tl'~" . ~ c ~ , ,~" _.'

kPa press'J.re a~ eve~ 2?plication 21: :"!e.g!'.1:.

P~})proximately lOS'JL11, of water is neecec to y..Tet a c~y saney loam so:'::" to 1~ de".Jth. Regu='a::-, i~riga~ion of SOlTL!l sho'J.ld -:~ b - ~1.:"",r1 .. -::.- ~-'2l.;' .... h c s+~""'ec', 'V.,-";"e""'" lS used. '_.I.,e:1 _ e dDLl _~'-' ',..,n __ ~ ., ~J. ;.. ~ ~ <..v_ :::;j L. -

Sandy scii~ hold less water ant clay soils hold more than t~is sandy l02~ used here as an exa~~le.

I I I I I I


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1.6

55.

1.5 SDr~nk;er Spacing

SpY'inkler spaciEg for commercial systems allo~ .. ~ oveY'laD of mo~e than 100% of the wettec diameter to g~ve an even distribution pattern. One sprin~ler on a s?ray line throws w'ater beyonc the heed of the t"o sprinklers each side. Overlap of spray between sprinkler li~e may only be 75%. Refer to I~rigatio~ Article No. 6 in this series for more detail.

This spacing provides an economic and even watering pattern. hThen applying 50mm of ir::oigation to 2 la'(o,;T:l, a simple :"nethod to measure the qua~tity applied is to ?lace a line of open ~OpPDO' (10Cmm h'-;") :~"l'~ ~'ns i~ a ll'ne a""'oss ~ho -ree ;.. __ ...... -' l,w ••• .:..61. ..c~ '- '_ t.....:.... _.l. _ '-"_ _.: .... c.

'D~ing Q~reyeG' "tJ~e~ .Omm is ca'ucr~t ;- - ~in "':"'~gn +he ~_J.....!-' • I •• .!: '" ...... _ _ r,:,;j ...Lol. c. 1.._ 1...11 __ •• '-

spri~kler should be noved to a new pos~~ion.

To decide the new Dositio~ fo~ the hose snrinkler check the wa~e~ dept~ in theW line of tins. Make sure t~e ti~ that has o::lly received 2 SITUT, recei ves another 25rnm .f:;:->om the ne·w Dosition while i)roviding 50rr:J"7l to 2. ~in close to -the spri:1kler head. This is-demonstrated in Figure 1.

MEASURE SPRINKLER APPLICATION

Measure the depth of wo~ei opplied 2 50 mm depth IS equollolent to 50 L 1m

~ f;:~~

/ ~~ !:P~--SOm," LAdd more .. a!er to ---.z,; )..{:;::=:::::;~/ --= this pos i t IOn dun nt; ---=-~ .; -- the next moye.

(///=--7' / ~{/ /-~

/ 10--/ ~ 50mml =- _

F -===~~

---

FIGURE 1

Timing Regular Irr~gations

The hose ~ep should be fully turned on, so t~et the sa~e distribution and a~Dlicatio~ rate ca~ be reoeated during subsequent irrigations. If the pressure i~ too hig~, buy a pressure reducing valve (2djusti~g the tap opening is difficult to ~epeat exactly), (Refer to Irrigation Article No. 6 i~ this series for ~ore detail.)


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J..7

-.

~ime the a~Dlication of 50m~, this may be 20 min~tes. ~ow set a ~l~er with a~ a:arm so that the sprinkler can be reg~larly s:lif"ted to s'.Jpply an even 5 Dr..r., ir:!.'"'igation all across the lawn area. This method shoul~ res~lt in 70 to 80% of the water delivere~ by the hose being stored in ~he soi: root zone. Most losses should be TO evaDoration, very liTTle to dee~ drainage a~d none to sur~ace Y-"l;n o:f.

Reduce Water Use By Lawns

A lush gree~ law~ has a high water reQuirement. Adeouate fertiliier allows lawn TO Gse water ~~re efficiently: An average quality ~eep rooted lawn~ once established, can be 31lowed ~o ~~V BUt (stas grQwi~g) a~~ will res?o~d quickly

~2~n or irriga~io~.

In t~~ early days ~~ Jarwin the pas?a:um lawn In many places '~11"""'V"veri -I-';,p G-~V ·'l·t"O·,-i- ..:.,....,.,......~O"a~l·~n b" ,..:;.,....,vl·ng o~.;; +h c e" .;:" ~ ='- .J ... ~.~ J., \'-. _. _"- ..LJ.J._~ ~ v ~ )' ......:._ . ~ J..!. ........ -

-'re 1- p ;::.-= ~"""'ea T')...,lS c'c~~a""'- la"T" .,....,ps-ono·co- cu'oo-ly +0 L.,!. _ >_' __ c.J. • .,L_ .I.~;I ole.. _ ...... ; .I. ... ~ • ~ ~ _ .,_ I..

early rains; that is,i~ the ~i~es were kept away from the ~~\r ~~-ss A"s+~all'an ~-"""'~P~s s~oul~ ~e:lect t~c c'l~a+e ''"''-_~ ~.c. • ;,../. L.J.. _ • e:,c,.-...:..... .:. ~ _ _ ~! ____ ," L. ,

~n ~ry times la~ns sho~:~ rarely need mowing 2~d should ~OT be cct too sho~:. Use a dee? rooted grass s~ch as D5Tive co~c~ that w~ll a:ter a dro~ghT ~erio~ 100mm o~ ~ine tex~~re~

survive in na~ure. To restore growth g~ve the lawn a ~eavy irrig2~ion of

, " SC..L..Ls.

, . '.'-- ,,' ,,-

I I I I I I I I I

l"la~v ~ooi cl'ma-l-,:. 1-T",...,S l;a"~ - -,-';-u.,....,-l nc- ·-e-t .... c~ G~or~.an, cy' I l.~. .... _ _, ~'-" _ow.:. .L. ve a J.:::'I.. J. G._ "I ........ ' C. .1 ... J. jl, .

~he~ ~hey C2~not use waTer. Days betwee~ ap?lications can be inc~eased dJring thaT peried, unti: new growth 2npears __ J. , __ ,. L. J. W.I '...:. "t-h"""'OU£"h -I-he b""'o·'T·'e~ 0:£ leaf blades. I fLOOD IRRIGATION OF A CITRCS TRE~

S;)ils tha~ have 2. 101,-; infil tY'2tion rate ca"'nct je ir!"'igc:te,:::' I -~ " 1 . h ,,0, d f' ~rIeClent~y Wl~ sprays ~eca~se 0: pooll~g an run 0 r.

Howeve~ this soil can be e~ficiently ~loo~ ir~igaTed if the correct amount of waTe~ is a?plie~. I

~.~ Soil Infllt~at:on Rate

:f ~he soil has a low water infiltration ra~e then f~oad irriga~io~ can be an e~ficie~~ meThod o~ irrigaTio~~ where 90% of ~he water a~Dlied ca~ ~e s~ored i~ t~e soil root zone ~or tree use. ~ate~ ~av be lest te deeD dra~~age,

To test the Qarden soills sui~abil~ty for efficient ~lood irrigation, ~lace the hese at full fio~ under the tree and 5ee Sow fast t~e water sDrea~s over a:l the soi2 surface under ~he tree. If ~~is'occ~rs in a fe~ mi~utes the~ the soil infiltratio~ rate is lo~ enough TO give an even distribution. Eowever i~ wa~er runs Into t~e soil and does no: sD~ead ouickly the~ a sDrinkler s~~uld be used to 3D~ea2 the ~2ter ~ver a:1 t~e root zo~e area. In this poro~s soil: =f the floo~ syste~ is csed as shown in

I I I I I I I


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I I

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Figure 2 - such of t~e wa~er will be lost to deep d~ainage. In some rearginal cases it nay be possible to ~ivide the area under the tree in four divisio~s and flood each one separately ~o obtain quick surface coverage a~d even water distribution.

HOSE

POOR DISTRIBUTION IN POROUS SOIL D AREA

WATER

DRY SOIL DRY SOIL

WET SOil //(8C)U, I m ROOT ZONE

(VERY DEE? PENETRATION) I I I \ . - - ,-.,.,- -,----ROOT DEPTH AND WETTING PATTERN REQJIRED

I W"~1'" WATER , ZONE

FIGURE 2

FLOOD IRRIGATION OF A SINGLE TREE 0

C1RCU_AR SANKS

MULCH

\

OranQe'tree with two Clfcuicr banxs 1 prepared for flood lrri~ctjon

rCiRIF'L N£ OF CANOPY

~ ,~UC,ER - PROBE IN USE

8ANK OUTSIDE DRlPLlNE OF TR~E CANOPY.

FREE MULCH

Check the dep1h of mOisture m the rool zone ThiS sma!! OlJ(Jer cen be used os 0 probe ond wdi easlly penefrate stene free wei soli

FIGURE 3


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.--------------------------~~-x_~~.----

_. J '..1 '

floot }~rigation Ea~ks

F'lace two circular ba~ks around a si~gle citrcs tree as shown in the figure 2; one just oui ~ro~ t~e t~ee butT, to reduce the incide~ce of tru~k diseases, such as cellar rot which ca~ ~e spread more easily whe~ the trunk remains wet. Place the other ba~k just outside the drip edge o~ the tree canopy. This wil: allow ~he soil root zone to be wet about :~ ou~ fro~ the tree cano?y all aroun~ the tree as shown in Figure 3.

~ Irrigation ADDlication , .

A dry sandy loam so~l will reou~re an initial i~rigation ':': lOOmr.: to hTe"'i: the full deptrl of the ~'oot zone. TJ;en regu12!"' ir~iga"t~o:-:s of S:'J:'.T:! should ~e 2~pliec to rec::arge ..... ~'i~ -'-"1'1 s"'or,,,>"o ·'--'0- --:...,-i s -""''lu~t "'-s ·'0"''''' "sed D' ,. -+-r' -'_>0'_ ,'='l.., __ ' ,-'--Gb- \'\'.; .... _; :",l.._ =.".-... .. _;c ,-,-CI. \..0 Y I. l~

tree. Table 1 details ~he average wa~er use of c~trus ~or the main ce~tres of the N.~.

A rainfall of 10mm is egGal to 10 L/DL over all the area. A c~rcle of ED diameTe~ covers an area o~ 28rn L so to apply 100TTl-:l or ::i80 L/rr.':: to tr:a-: area, 2800 L is,..,required. When applying regula~ irriga~ion5 of 50mr x 28~L then -, I, riO; rr·u""""" """'0 -Dpl- l o~ _-,,_, '-1 •. ~1..:....J~ c~ _____ .

=f only half the ~e?Th of ~he ~oot zo~e ~s wet (l~ght i~rigations), a larger perce~tage of :~e water will be lost TO evapora~io~ beca~se ~he ~reqGency of ~atering (a~d wettin2 of the s~rface from which eva~oration takes ?lace) must-·je increased. However i~ too ~~c~ water ~s ,:;,,~,l ';0"':: ..... ""...,e'"" i- 'Tl'~ I ':-,~':l~r~te 'elo'r ~he rOO-L zon." ~LO ..... }J.:-'-~--..J l.1: •• _I. It. ..:._ .J...:. • ..!..J.. l. _ ...., ..... ~ _

deep ~rainage carrying valuable ?la~~ nCTrie~ts with the valuable water, al~ to be wasted. In so~e cases this nUTrient-rich water wil: paIute The gro~ndwaTe~ domestic Sl,J.PDly.

Measurin~ the Hose Flow Rate

ane co::.-'rect: amOU:lt of wat:er~ the hose flow ra~e ~ust be known. To rreaSGre -~:s ~~o'·· ·u~~ ~~o -~~ c- &,.,' a~d ~~~~ tho f:l'~n,.~ cf a =.il..!.. .:..!. ,;, '- _.1 ,-_ ..... I.<"'y' .; _ '-'__ •• ' __ 1.1_ ,,- ... ----.;0

10 lit::.-'e Dlast~c bucke~ as shc~~ in Figure W, If ~~is ti~e ~2S ~2Y, 25 seco~ds (0.4 ~/s) O~ ~~ L/ffii~cte, t~en iT would ta~e 58 mi~~t:es or 1 ~oGr to ?Pp:y 2 reg~lar ';r~l·'--""":o- 0';'- ::"0-- (" or' T,) 70 t'.o.e "';:':;,m,,':: -;-""""_, PP. f'C_1\, .. 'O :--;'o'JrS __ * s'-::':'..!..J .:.. ,-,' •• : .•. .J.."'f V _ ~ .<.. ___ _

l,.-'''-)·,:i r; ;"'e r-jQe~O~ +0 '::'-'~-; V :::-:e iTli ti2.1 irr~:=:ation to dr\/ .'- .... _'-'...., ..... '-"-'-" ~ - ...... '"'-_~ '_'..J

~~~~I CO" l,~,nr-:n ("'G'il-' 1) ,;;C'.l. _ _ ,_ ,_,,,J,).. L ,.,l.) •.. _ •

A coarse ~es~ed bag can be ?lace~ arc~~~ The end of the hose :0 reduce ~he wate~ velocity and securing of The soil by The water leavi~g the hose at: full f:ow. ~he hose at f~ll flow is use~ se t~at the gro~:lc surface is quickly r:(lVerec. anc all soi2 has t~e sa;r.e rtoppcrtun:"tvTt ti~ne for even depth o~ water infilt~at:"o~.

Th~ sa~e flow rate can be accu~ately re~ea~ed ~~ring fcture irrigat~ons when a ~ose a~ ful: flow is use~.



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MEASURE HOSE FLOW RATE

~or flood irriQotion of bonked tree,:, tlma your hose oj' tuH floW',

,...--- .... .. --=- .... Use 0 "10 mrs plastic bucket and 0 'Wotcn.

FIGURE 4

A SOIL MOISTURE PROBE OR AUGER

To check the depth of water penetration in the soil from flood or spray irrigation a small auger or Drobe can be used a day or so af~er irrigation (shown in Figure 3). The auger shown in Figure 5 can be pushed i~to wet stone fre~ soil. When it is stopped by dry soil a few turns of t ne hano'le can ~~11 -I--no a"oe""-' '1':'-1-;"" SO';! a-'~ ';"h;s can 'De ~, - .!.~-- L l.__ '-'0 _ \1 • ...l...'_l. ":"...J... ~.u L _ '

p~lled out to obtain a soil sample for inspection.

If after seve~al regular irrigations the dry soil level 'cecf~s to ~;~e t~ese ~~~~~a';"~c- a"--J.;c-';"~o-s of ~n~~ 0-·' -'-...I. ..... , ~- ...1-.:. -.l.,!S L..!..!. .k-'!-,...J... C.L....:... •• "..-,-"B.lo

should be closer togetneY'. Eowever if the soil at jus~ over 1m depth remains Het then. rr.ore ·water tnan the aDount used by the tree has been applied, so extend the time betwee~ 50rr~ irrigatio~s.

A sandy soil holds less w~ter and a C~2y soil ~olds more than the sandy loam soil usee in the example above.


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L

MAKE A SIMPLE PROBE OR AUGER

MILD S~EEL 12mrn ROD

S \:1

19 !o 24 mm -.j I

II .. -~ r

1m

FIGURE 5

'=---'-he ---h~o- 0= na"'-':n" .... -,..."e -"'C ...... "" D- e '~r': ,..,.-+-,...., ...... , ~)j •• 1-;::1. '-' _ ~ .... 6-'-.5 1.. •• ~_ .... a l..,-" -- -0::::::. ... <= ..... , L;'-

~easLring a s:igh~ly la~ge~ area tha~ ~he grG~nd ,:overe~ by the canopy is a guide ~~ mixed c~op irri-- -t.;-,........ :"::o··'='·'e'l'" T-'hpn ~ o,,-..,:-r,-,o..,.-,o' -1 o~~p 0"'- ~--"re ~~c:. _v.,. "_ w_v _ Y'I ___ v ..... L'- __ Co _'-' .1 J"c.~u.

ci~rus is to be irr~gate~ ~he FAD (?ood & Agriculture Organisa:ic~) ~ethod for indivi~ual crops can be used.



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In the N.T. the crop ractor for m2~ure citr~s covering more than 70% of the ground area varies from 0.5 to 0.6 when clean cultivaticn ~s practiced. In the ?AO method the crop factor is multiplied bv the ETO (EvEcotransniration of the ~eference crop, a-perennlal gree~ gras~ ~OOmm-high), the figure obtained is the water used by citrus. To obtain the quantity of water to be applied, this figure must be mUltiplied by the application efficiency of the irrigation systeD. Only 70% and 90% are shown in Table 1, below. The area to be irrigated in your calculations with this table is nOL only the ground cove~ed by the ca~opy but i~cludes the additional 30% area between the trees.

o

Technical R

eport WR

D85041

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T{,["LL

r ~'r ldr'p;(~

ul1·rJ.r:::r th~

Tr)v..11S JIIN

rd i ce Spr inCJ5 7.2 (5.6)

T~nn()nt Creek 7.1 (5. 5)

Ll'~h~ri n'-:' 4.7 (J. 7)

D-l f\.'J i n 4.2 ( 3 • 2)

(Crc'p [act-or) 0.6

1 \r/i\TI P ".,]-'['1,1 (',\'1' TUi! rr} p ( 1 TP'j ,I::",. I II Till: rJ,JIETlllTl1 'IfF!"IT"I",

iIlel I U r'~

tre,~ lS

FEB

G.5 (';.0)

7.0 ('j.~;)

4.4 ( 3 . 4 )

3.7 (2.9)

0.6

:'~

.'.

~':

. '.

.',

-'.

"----~-

L r'r:-~ C';':; pro v i eli nr; rn,) C':? I: han "j 0 (:', p;r'ound COVC'r' WllPll IIlP .-3 rr:::' a Y,ett<J":!cn anej mu 1 ch('(J dnd frr~c rrom grd;;~::; or wccrl~.

~IJ\H APR ~111 Y JUN ,JIJL IIUG SEP OCT NOV DEC IINllml

,----

5.G 4.fl 3.3 2.4 /. • C:-J 3. 3 4.2 S.l 6.2 7.1 177"1 (4 .4) (3. OJ (2. S) (l.fl) (1. 9) (7.. G) (3. :1) (4 . 2) (4.8) (5.5 ) (1 3B4) 7.8 ~) . 4 3.2 2.6 2.7 J. 3 3.8 '1.6 4.fl <1.6 1735 «(,.1) (4.7) (2.5) (;>.0) (2.1) (2. 5) (J.O) (3.6) (3.8) ( 3 . 6) IlJS2) 4.0 4. 'I 4 . I 3.7 4 . I 4.3 5.2 5. I 4.0 6.2 1698 ( 3. I ) ( ] . 7) (J. 2) (2.9) ( ) . 2) U.5) (4 . 1) (4 .0) (3.8) (4 .8) ( 1323) 4.0 4.6 3. 2 J.3 J.2 3.2 3.G 4.0 5.3 4.8 1425 (3.l) (1. G) ( 2 . 5) (2.S) (2.5) (2. 5) (2.8) (;J.Il) (4 • 2) (3.5) ( Ill0) O.G O.G 0.55 0.55 0.5 O~5 0.55 () . Sf; 0.55 0.6

011,-tntj t_ir:';, arc monthly .:1Ver,'lV,C:':; ill mm/ddy

I\pplico1l:ion ,:"ffi(':i.cncy of }r)';, is u::;c-rJ clnd would b,::. ::;lJiLdhl~ [or' cJ r·; ,'1 S(_'Il·) I 1",' p,(YJd :-;pr,]y or flncHl sy::;tPJIl vJilich t·]nulcl apply 50mln cd(::h i_rr'ip;;:J.l:iofl on a ](),lmy :..;oiJ.

In br"(lckcl~J the Llppl.ir:aLion c[fic10llcy is 90~) and is suitabJe to d drip s . .'(~;~,-.:." r:orl'cc·t:ly dcsigno(l ~nJ ojJerrlLcd .

Application losses OCCur I)y dcPT) dl'dinClf',C ,ev<ll'ot'dlioJlo surface runoff.

Th~ above applic'==lti.oll ra.tc tahle is for averarE:' HPClI:het' con(Li lions (",ith'="Jt~ r,~jnf~]l.) i [ uns001~;OnJb].c llot dry wintly condit_iorl:~ occur, jncr~0se rat~5 Qn,J .in t.irnp;-; of Ull~;cd:';onah]f~ ::;ti11, hurn,icl, cloudy t.]ealh"2l' reducf! tht::~:;c aver-d.R'':- r.ll',,:'::,-, . . If tl,ere is no weed control program Cln additional 25 to 30% of water will be rC(luired.

- - - - -- ------- - - - - - - -

("'">

J-- .I


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I'\JO. 8 BASIN IRRIG.ATION C; SERI:LS or :::IGTE AR:'ICLES)

The ~asin system is a type of flood irrigation where the wa~e~ is confined on usually relatively flat land by ~aised banks. This method is most efficient on soil with a very low water infiltration rate - usually clay soils. The most co~~on wo~ld WiCE use is for the control of water in rice paddies or bays. Rice is once again being grown around Da:::-,win in isolated areas where rainfall runoff can be used.

The basin syste~ can be used for pasture, tree and cro~ irrigatio~ where the land is floo2ed and drained regul~rly. In the wet areas of the N.~., crops can be rice~ para grass, hYffienache (Hyme~ache acuteigluIDa) and phasey bean. In low rainfall a~eas it can be buffel g~ass and tou feed species of trees or shade trees.

This system can incorporate water ha~vesting where the con1:our banks collect ru~off froD a much large=::-' area especially when planting shade trees in low ~ainfall areas. In tow~, a footpath O~ verge can be drained into a basin ~o increase the benefit from =::-,ainfall.

The original co~~ercial method for rice bays used in Australia was to confine water behind banks 2ro~nd a Y'ectangular area of relatively flat ground. The bay wc.s small enough so that lOOa~ of water i~ low areas WOuld cove~ all the soil in t~e bay. The rectangular bays are shown in F:'gure 1, some are !"'elatively large, hOi,,;ever whe::::"e the slope is greater Cclose con~our lines on Figure 1), the rectangular bays are very~sr.1a.ll and difficult to farE.

The later methoc i-JdS to m2Y'k the ri ce area wi t~ contour lines (for bank) 50 to :50r~ ciffe~ence i~ elevation. These banks formed 17luch larger bays (the continuous curved line shown in Figure 1) ~educing the area taken up with D2.:!,ks and providi~g a J:1o!"'e ever: depth of 'd2ter over the bay. The problem in many areas, was tha~ the contours were not parallel and large ~achinery had to be co~tinually turni~g during farm operations. This can cause waste of time, fuel seed and fe~tilize~ as the land has to be recrossed ti~e and again by large machines. In some parts of USA this problen was ove~come by formir:g tne contour banks after sowing was completed and the contour ~anks were the~ flattened before harvest. A cross-section of a rice bank is shown in Figure 2.


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A Doder~ layo~: for bas~~ ir~~gaT~on has per~a~ent banks cn para~lel co~~ours, also show~ i~ Figure 1 represented jy dot-dash lines. The a~ea is lan~ for~ed with a ""(-'Y"'-'r)e~ Ceu"" -,....,~ '::-:-'''':) t~, '::'-"Y"'T"I"'. an C"e~ s'ope DecD e"ts ,z __ e~ ~ L c.",-, .;....:._...!.. '-' .1""_,,. ,~\- •. _". '-' '-' '- SO"P soil~ .,......-r·'l·re -~e ~~p -01" ~o 'DC re-'a~Q~ '~j: ).1._. >_L ___ , _C,,:;I...: _ 1..:, L,-,'_ :;;, ...:. L '-' .;-'...!. ..... _ .....

Laser level:i~£ e~~ip~e~T is ~se~ and althocgh ~he initial --''--',~'" .: S 'h1' o'h T->;~ s ~ - so-n ~eC"11-;p"'::, 'Dee-"se 0'::: -'.-Ie 1 o"e~ ,=-~j~ _ -' r,' -, 1.. •• - ..... ;:, v. _ "'_:-"_'- c..... _ L.. _ "" _

-F-·~t ,....~ nDe"'-'.::It-io--'s 1..-, - "=el" ypar>~ t-iro ""e-- +1-p c~\. • .'_~ '-) ___ ,' '-'-" _... •• c.:. "'._.;:' _., ..... , w.o •. ... 11_

distu~bed so~l has evened CU~, over the cut a~d ~ill areas, heavier a~d ~ore eve~ crc~s a~e Dro~~ced.

THREE ALTERNATIVE USED FOR RICE

BANK METHODS IRRIGATION

t=.~.~-:-::::==. -:==. -~. . _. - .L_' _._. _.

I , '-'---'-'-'---'---'---'~~~-'-Y-'-'-'--r'

i ._.-

--~.---.---.---.---.---.-.---. 1--,;..,......::::..... -' - . _. - ........ "

~.-=~ .. -.-.-.-.-.-. '-'-'-'-'-'r--' ! RECIANGU:....AR BANK SYSTEM

_____ -- OrlQlncl conlo:.J~ lin. for conlol.i' bon}.:5

_ Porc:lel conto..J~ bonks ofter C'-I! ,and fill lono fo'mlne ooe'cllor'! 411 ThreE: ~ys~ems reO: . .ltft ;mootnlr.o one ie"eilno of ;01' OI.l'lnc preporolHXl fo~ SO'lll'II"'Ie

FIGURE 1



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CONTOUR BANK ON RELATIVELY FLAT LAND

G.L.

minimum :!COml:"'! ~R--,,-

1 fo .. O------5·5m USUAL IN TROPICAL AREAS--..... .,I

IRRIGATION OF PAS':'URES

FIGURE 2

W~en pastures and other similar crops a~e ~egularly irriga~e~ an~ drained (from bay to bay) using the basin system, the relative bay sizes ~re important. The system can be efficiently designed so t~at all water for one ir~igation can be flooced lOOrrD deep ove~ the fi~SL large Day. All of the followi~g bays are buii t progress':' vely smaller so that r,..lhen the last bay is irrigated There is very lit~le or no excess Hater to drain.

T~e irrigation water flo,\-; rate .:.n and au:: of the bays must be capable of allowi~g the water to remai~ O~ ....... ,..,p s'-'-"l s'1""'-'.::"ac- 0-"'1·· ir-.-o ~-O'10:'" fo~ th- Q"-s;T'e"; l.ll__ ___..!.._ '-_":' 1::, li_Y _,-,!.:_ t::J.l. ' __ 11 _.:.. ".':::: !:;;: .... _ W

-, '), ,;:;:":.' ~ ::'<i_. tr.:- .::"-il .... --:- ..... c ..;'-.."t".... ..:, d.XOu.:l"t, pOS~_D .... y '-',vJ':un, '-' _n.L~_i..rc.'. __ ..!.Lt'O .... ,e so..!...:...

This time deDends on the soil wa~er infiltration rate. As ~entlc~erl Q2~1;Qr ~"n"s sys~e~ ~2n 'De - ve~'~ o~~":~":e-~ n., ~ _ 1. \,..;: __ _ ..I. __ L • ..!. :.. lJt \.. ~ , C. ___ II ,-.!.,.!...L. '-..:. ~ ~ "-

method of water distr,ibuticr: in soils with a very low infiltration rate.

RICE BASINS ON ~ILLSIDES

In many tropical countries, hillsides are built into te~races with levee banks built bv hand labour. Bays can be as small as 1 x 2m with 2 fall of 0.5;]; to the r:.ext terrace. in the b2nks.

Tree 2nd rock outcrops C2n be included


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,-~"-,,-=;,, -c,,,

I ~illside recent:v develo?ed fo~ basin irrigation can be devastaTed by a Tropical s~crl:. If unco~solidated ba~ks I 3re breached the whole hi~lside may e~o~e. A s~able drainage syste~ tha~ can hand~e a1: the drainage from a Tropical do~n Dour mUST be establishe~ before The terraces are built. I :his erosion ~roble~ a~so app:ies to ~elatively flat land although :he costly erosion da~age is not sa ~ramatic.

BASIN WATER HARVESTING IN ARID AREAS

Tnis ca~ consist o~ short conTocr banks across a d~ainage slope. Someti~es ~orseshoe shaped b2~ks or sDi~als a~e-Tr --,..., ~";--:nc -,!;i"-"h'nes -- .. -..,~ , c: -....... r,'-., +- shoY't ~ 7 _):;'n-:el-., ___ '-_ '::"' "!.~'~" ,..!., u::::.) -' .. u ...... ec ,-0 l __ ' c .: _ o;.-e:l

~eDression ~o sto~e wa~er fo~ deep ~oo:e~ tree es~ablishmenT. A back ~oe jucke~ of soil can be ~e~oved fro~ the ~ite for each tree sa TnaT ciuri~g a rai~ STO~D the s~rrounding la~d wil~ drai~ and fil~ t~e ~ole as shown in :l~~re 3. ~his ~eep basin is no~ s~itab1e for trees prone to collar rOT. Roa~way ~~~o~f can also be used where~ -hgrg ~s ~o un~Q~~~ounj· s-o~~ "-a-e- c·ra'n~ 7f ~ 15-.·.· '~_'=-T'-=- ~~ d '--':~_-?':' ' I... ~ •• ~: II'-.' I... __ ::'. _ '- _""

area of soi: drai~e~ tc a lmi area ~~en This tree would receive more t~a~ Ie ~i~es T~e recor~ed rai~f2l: whe~ 2~~owing fo~ soce infil~ratic~ into ~he S:CDe.

Water stored deep i~ the soi: is pro:ected froe evaporation. ~0ffie sandy or gravelly soil ~ay require a second back hoe j~cket of soil ~o be re~oved a~d re~laced wit~ a bucket o~

-I· ·1 ""'---.'r"'-~.,...- ..,.-,--':"'i --'-..,.-, ,-,- .... 1.·s so'l gc<)c c~ay .lOaD SOl C,-,.~L:=:.l~'-_J!:S O_o:=:,.:_C :1'.2:...,-e_. _'-1 ..!.

~arj s~ore mere wa:er.

A \'olu~e of 280 L coul~ be collec~ed ~n the deDressio~ juri!:g a 20r::T.'. storm. l'':~Jch large:-· areas of r·-1:Joff car: ~e 8iverted to the depression by extendi~g a conTour bank ~a.c:! side of t;:e tree si t"e. P.!-cer a :2',,,.,1 au-cur. ... J stor:m.s, ~ocal tree s~eci2s cou~~ be planTed wi~h water. The ~ro~nd s~rface arou~~ T~e t~ee should be ~ulc~ed with (,rganic materia~ o~ grave:. ~~is tree ~ould stand a good .,~,>", ~ ~r-.g = b"'" -' ~ - ... "'bl" . g';> d' ....,:....,,",, ~1-; ,-'-'::>"0 so -·na"'"" it ~;jad'- .. 0..:. e,-o:n_n.=:. es:..<:::. lS.!~-, LL . ..L •• ~ ... _n 1.. .. _ '-J '-

:~)1 survive on fui~re ~a~ves~ed rai~~all using :his basin ~:,·2Le:Tj.

=~ so~e areas ne2~ a tc~~ or ~o2est2a~ ~his basin arou~d ~he tree could be ~il:et occas~a~ally ~it~ 220 ~ froD a '~Deline or a ta~~e~ dL~i~g d~y Derio~s un~il the tree las develoDed a deep roo~ sys~e~ and could survive alone.

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CROSS SECTION BASIN IRRIGATION FOR ONE TREE

A CO}'" ... ,11 1'0, w,' .. , e,,,,,,~ ~1(J'm r1;l,r<

or 1",10:' 0 .. oj"",~ ",( "'IQr.l."" .. ;,!~, """"It' I' '10 .. :~ ,oo~~ I,d: H·,~ ~0,1

Y:<Y ;;CIL

FIGURE 3

CROSS SECTION WHERE TREES ARE GROWN

IN IRRIGATED LAWN A BASIN IS UNNECESSARY

j

FIGURE 4

WATER HARVEST7NG 7N WET AREAS

In wet areas a similar system can be used although the tree would be planted early in the wet. ~ore care m~st be taken to a.llov-' for safe drai!1age. ~when establishing trees in a clay soil, the basi~ mus~ not be allowed to become water logged (if it is close to the young tree) dur~TIg a prolonged wet period. It may be advisable to breach the bank so that the!"'e is no pooling. 70wards the end of the wet the breaK can be closed to collect wate~ from the last few storms.

I ~ ar"-- o· ;rY'"'-io-- .... eo· ia"n a s~aj! ""'o'u-d m-v he o'''s'r-D' le ":'l _d..:=> 1. ...... ~ _:::;.0.:" ' _ >'I .La -'-_ ,: •. ~~ lCo. -' ~..:.. -0.'_

i~stead of a basin especially in c~ay soils ~ecause water pooling ~n the basin may cause wat2rloggi~g. 7he ~ound is shown in Figu~e ~.

7 R-_; C~ ,A,':D L'A~~R '" ~'TS~T"~ • _ l'. V"J.~..!."",-, n. • .<->,.;-(v ...... l_d\-=:

Rice has been successfully grow~ north of the town of Adelaide River without i~rigetion. Contour banks were built with a road grader across a section of flat cul~ivated plain. Wa~e~ ~unoff from the relatively small su~rounding area of higher ground flooded the cultivation and the contour bank obstructed the natural drainage, there was no creek in the deoression. The ~ice was sown with fertilizer when e2~ly stor~s moistenec the soil to 300~~ depth. Soon this rice area was cut o~f from vehicular traffic by the wet season rains. When the ow~er was able ,0 drive into the area again the crop looked good. He


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decided to bale it for hay. than he though~ and 2.5 t/ha fro~ the area not damaged by

However the crop was better of paddy rice was harvested catt Ie grazing.

SUPPL:SHr:~TARY IRRIGATIOK 11\ :-JIGH RAINfALL AR:SAS

Additional water should always be available to use for suppleme~tary irrigation for rice, especially during the critical perio~ between flowering and gra~n fill.

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A water supply should be as inexpensive as possible according to the site. Gravity flow should be considered I first as there ca~ be pumping problems in rivers or creeks late in the wet which cause delays and cry soil causes empty grain heads. The site should be checked during I tr:e previous years, Hwet 11 to f:"nc cu-c: \.\~ha:: wc"Cer is avail-able. A soil wit~ low infiltration rate co~ld have basins at a higher elevation with higher contour banks tostore 3 times the depth of the water that is held in the rice. In I porous soil a natural creek or spring may be diverted by just blocking a culvert. A back hoe trench filled with rock and gravel may be used to form a spri~g by bringing I the high water table to the surface an~ down to the rice for a month after the wet.

SAVING WATER IN AKD AROUND TOWNS

Wa~er su~plies in and arc~~d towns can be saved,w~en landscapi~p,b~ u~ilizing basin and water harvesting techniques. Trees and shrubs from a similar rainfa~l anc climate, when planted in depressions in back yards and road verges can harvest rainfall runoff from the house roof, concrete areas and foot path. The planting time would be early in the wet (~lr early ..A.utumn in the sout}) of the N. T., Wf1er: irrigation requirements are low.

When basins have received sU:!lcien~ runoff wa~er, to wet the soil to a de?th of O.S~, the~ the cree or shrub can be planted with water. The g~ound surface s~ould be mulched to reduce evaporation. I~ some areas the plant will need protec~ion f~om strong winds. This ~ative plant may have developed top g~owth an~ an extensive ~oo~ systen so ttlat it can survive under nat~ral conditions by the dry season or by sum~ert~me in the south, wi~hout any i~rigation at 211.

CONCLUS:;:ON

Basin i~rig2tio~ can be used for rice or ~o es~ablish paragrass and shade trees in the high rainfall areas. Basi~s ca~ also be used in an arid area. Sometimes a natural or artificial depression with contour bank can be used to store water deeD in the surface soil. If an area of 15m 2 is drained t~ a 1m2 depression, then 20mm of high intensity r'ai~ plus natura: infiltratio~ can ecual 200m~ of rain for

o • that ImL. These figures assu~e a 65% run of~.



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Water deep in the soil is safe from evaporation especially if the soil surface is mulched. M~ch larger areas can be water harvested if required. A pitted, broken contour bank (not continuous) can be used to plant a line of shade tree, top feed or buffel grass. Sometimes additional water can be stored to supply an irrigation or two after the storm rains have stopped, particularly in the highi~ rainfall areas.


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technical report wrd85041this article exp~ains the pere~nial plant water ~eeds and the method...

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