Irrigation on Non-Vertosol Soils

Syphon irrigation, especially for summer crops grown on furrow irrigation in red soils, has typically been a challenge for primary producers resulting in poor yields, poor water use efficiency (WUE) and increased labour.

Red soil has a reputation for being more difficult to grow cotton and irrigate than cracking clay soil, particularly during crop establishment. Further known problems that are faced with these soil types are slow water entry at the surface, hard setting in nature and crusting and/or flaking when the soil is dry. However, with the right irrigation system design and correct management of the soil, these challenges can be overcome resulting in increased crop performance and profitability.

Both Bank-less channel irrigation (BCI) and centre pivot irrigation (CP) are two options irrigators have available to deal with the challenges faced when irrigating non vertosol soil types. These systems have advantages and disadvantages that have been explored throughout this report. The cost to implement these systems has also been highlighted and specific examples outlined. Alternative management options such as retained stubble in irrigation is also allowing irrigators to overcome the challenges of red soil on existing flood irrigation systems, negating the desire to change or implanted BCI or CP irrigation.

A professional consultant should be engaged when converting an irrigation system, and that the system is matched to the type of soil being irrigated.

Syphon irrigation, especially for summer crops grown on furrow irrigation in red soils, has typically been a challenge for primary producers resulting in poor yields, poor water use efficiency (WUE) and increased labour. 

Red soil has a reputation for being more difficult to grow cotton and irrigate than cracking clay soil, particularly during crop establishment. Further known problems that are faced with these soil types are slow water entry at the surface, hard setting in nature and crusting and/or flaking when the soil is dry. However, with the right irrigation system design and correct management of the soil, these challenges can be overcome resulting in increased crop performance and profitability. 

Both Bank-less channel irrigation (BCI) and centre pivot irrigation (CP) are two options irrigators have available to deal with the challenges faced when irrigating non vertosol soil types. These systems have advantages and disadvantages that have been explored throughout this report. The cost to implement these systems has also been highlighted and specific examples outlined. Alternative management options such as retained stubble in irrigation is also allowing irrigators to overcome the challenges of red soil on existing flood irrigation systems, negating the desire to change or implanted BCI or CP irrigation. 

A professional consultant should be engaged when converting an irrigation system, and that the system is matched to the type of soil being irrigated.