Summary

The project aims to evaluate the success of a drop tube centre pivot irrigation system as an alternative and significantly more efficient and ground water sustainable system for the irrigated production of certified lucerne seed and hay production usingsaline water

Program

Pasture Seeds

Research Organisation

De Barro Agricultural Consulting

Objective Summary

The project aims to evaluate the success of a drop tube centre pivot irrigation system as an alternative and significantly more efficient and ground water sustainable system for the irrigated production of certified lucerne seed and hay production usingsaline water above 4000 ppm total dissolved salts. Salinity in excess of 4000 ppm will not be tolerated by lucerne seed crops under a conventional centre pivot spray system and results in reduced seed and forage production. Success of a drop tube system could revolutionise irrigation application methods for the lucerne seed industry in South Australia. The research will quantify the reduction of the volume of saline water pumped and applied for irrigated lucerne seed and hay production whilst maintaining profitable yields in comparison to existing flood irrigation of lucerne for the same purposes.