Influence of irrigation method on water use and production of perennial pastures in northern Victoria

摘要: The irrigation of pasture for the dairy industry accounts a large proportion Australia’s total water use, particularly in Murray–Darling Basin. Most is irrigated using border-check method. under increasing pressure to use more efficiently response market reforms and restrictions on future availability, creating interest potential alternative methods. A field experiment was conducted at Tatura, Victoria, Australia between July 2000 2002 quantify differences perennial production composition border-check, surge, sprinkler subsurface drip irrigation. aimed assess each method as it would perform farm best management practices. Measurements included applied water, tailwater runoff, soil status, dry matter botanical composition. This found that used average 2 ML/ha.year (17–23%) less than while maintaining or production, consequently having significantly higher efficiency. Surface runoff reduced Surge had no advantages over border-check. Although some were observed treatments, trends inconsistent from one season next. high by gravity fed methods attributed combination evaporation groundwater accessions.