207-322 Irrigation for Intensive Horticultures

On completion of this subject students should gain an understanding of the nature of:

• water sources available for irrigation and the role of catchment management on the quantity and quality of water available;

• the methods for the estimation of plant water use;

• the range of irrigation systems available for horticultural applications;

• the selection of the most appropriate water application equipment; and

• the hydraulics of water delivery systems and the efficient management of soil water including surface and subsurface drainage techniques.

The content includes:

• the water sources for horticulture including surface and groundwater supplies;

• the hydrology of catchments and water courses;

• the impact of vegetation management on catchment performance;

• quality of water for horticulture;

• climate factors influencing plant water use;

• evapotranspiration;

• plant processes and water use;

• techniques to estimate plant water use including evaporative and climate modelling methods;

• soil water behaviour and properties;

• water movement in soils;

• infiltration and percolation of irrigated soils;

• types of irrigation including pressurised and non-pressurised systems;

• selection of applicators and delivery method;

• types of pipes and fittings, pipeline hydraulics, flow control equipment, pumping systems, selection of pumps, irrigation control equipment, soil moisture sensors and weather stations;

• system performance evaluation techniques; and

• drainage techniques and drainage systems.

A two-hour examination (25%), a mid-semester test (25%) and one assignment 3000 words (25%).