791-053 Irrigation Technology

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Objectives:

The objective of this subject is to enable the students to:

• describe the scale and distribution of the major irrigation systems in south-eastern Australia;

• evaluate plant water requirements in terms of water quality and frequency of supply;

• apply basic principles of hydraulics to the selection of irrigation systems appurtenances and structures;

• assess irrigation systems in terms of efficiency, economy, energy-use and environment impact;

• recognise the advantages and disadvantages of common irrigation systems;

• recognise the need for efficient irrigation drainage as well as water supply;

Content:

Water supply potential for the development of irrigation systems, management planning and operation of water allocations, water law, cost benefit analysis, environmental and energy-use implications of resource utilisation and development, efficiency of irrigation systems and long term viability. Climatic factors in irrigation development, rainfall, evaporation, evapotranspiration and hydrology. Plant physiology and plant water use, transpiration crop water requirements in terms of water quality and quantity. Soils and water, soil moisture retention and movement, plant root zones and development, infiltration and leaching. Irrigation scheduling, soil moisture measurement. Types of irrigation systems, selection of irrigation systems, irrigation drainage, seepage, surface and subsurface drainage systems, salinity, conveyance and disposal of drained effluent, re-use systems, management of irrigation systems, operations and maintenance requirements.

Assessment: