Horticulture research - making better use of water
Farmers in irrigated horticulture are taking advantage of research and management strategies to help them make better use of water, and run their businesses better.
Advances in research have provided information about different soil types and the moisture requirements for particular crops. This helps farmers make decisions about the best types of irrigation systems to use, for example whether a drip system or sprinkler system is more effective for the type of crop they grow.
Farmers are also seeking advice on such things as:
- best distance between rows of crops or irrigation systems
- the soil's water absorption ability
- distributing water uniformly
- monitoring water quality
- determining the best time to irrigate when considering evaporation and wind speed at different times of the day.
Better water efficiencies can not only save water but allow the farm manager to produce more product for the given amount of water they are allocated, also raising their financial returns.
Research into better irrigation for horticulture is being carried out for a number of crops and irrigation systems.
Read about specific research: