The worth of effective irrigation scheduling cannot be underestimated. Irrigation holds the answer to the best possible application of one of nature’s scarcest resources – water.
40% of the world’s food supply is produced on irrigated lands, even though these lands only make up 17% of cultivated land. This clearly demonstrates the incredible potential of irrigation to optimize yields.
Water application to crops determines up to 70% of the success of the eventual harvest. Insufficient or excessive soil moisture can have far-reaching implications for final quality and yield. A wide range of factors determine a crop’s water needs – climate (e.g. sunshine, temperature, humidity and wind), crop and soil type, as well as growth stage. This represents a lot of information that needs to be managed optimally through the entire crop cycle in order to ensure the best results at the end of a season.
Effective water management at farm level can make the difference between loss and profit. Optimal water application and the ability to quickly adapt to climate and soil variables can put the power back in the producer’s hands.
The scheduling division of Farmsecure Agri Science, Farmsecure Agri Science Irrigation, offers comprehensive and holistic irrigation services, including the revolutionary IrriCheck software. This cutting-edge technology offers advanced irrigation scheduling, a water-wise, dynamic solution. The system is not only able to make informed and expert scheduling adjustments, but it does so in a timely manner.
The system combines data pertaining to evaporation, water uptake, crop type, soil moisture and precipitation to compile a comprehensive and holistic overview of prevailing conditions impacting irrigation. Hourly soil moisture readings at six ground depths enable quick and accurate adjustments to changing conditions.
Through the use of IrriCheck, a South African farm was able to make a 30% water saving on 350 ha of table grapes.
The system has been awarded the South African Department of Water Affairs’ agricultural sector award of 2012.
The management of water application is beneficial for the optimization of crop quality and yield, and institutes savings on electricity and water costs. Farmsecure Agri Science Irrigation’s water-wise and quick-thinking approach to irrigation can provide increased yields and a steady stream of savings for producers. Water savings in turn increase the potential of expansion and an increase in lands under irrigation – indeed ‘more than just a drop in the ocean’ when it comes to long-term sustainability and profitability in agriculture.
Farmsecure Agri Science Irrigation services
Farmsecure Agri Science Irrigation’s specialists work holistically with Farmsecure Agri Science’s soil scientists, orchard planners, crop specialists, plant nutrition experts and GIS specialists to:
- design irrigation and pump systems
- map out irrigation installation plans
- lay out blocks, roads and pipelines
- supply irrigation equipment
- supply and install soil moisture probes optimally
- install irrigation systems and on-site weather stations
- project manage the system and processes
- continuously analyse the system’s accuracy.
For more information:
Appel van Zyl
Farmsecure Agri Science Irrigation
Tel: +27 82 374 4484
[email protected]
www.irricheck.co.za or www.fsagriscience.co.za
