Defining precision irrigation

Product Information

Despite the widespread promotion and adoption of precision agriculture in dry-land cropping systems, the concept of irrigation being part of precision agricultural systems is still getting off the ground, both in Australia and internationally. There is currently no cohesive framework available to guide research, development or adoption of precision irrigation and its associated support technologies.

This project is reviewing irrigation research, existing technologies and the use of precision irrigation. It will assess the role of current irrigation application technologies in precision irrigation, variable rate applications, adaptive control, and the sensing and decision support requirements.

Opportunities for adoption and future research will also be identified. The first stage of the project - conceptualising and defining precision irrigation - is summarised in this research bulletin. Any feedback on this information would be gratefully received. The newness of precision irrigation means there has been very little discussion around the concept—and any research being conducted will certainly benefit from shared knowledge.