Dr Malcolm Gillies and Professor Joseph Foley from the University of Southern Qld talk about irrigation performance and how SISCOweb can be used to optimised surface irrigation.

Optimised surface irrigation can occur where-ever an understanding of irrigation inflow rates into furrows or bays can be measured, and the corresponding irrigation water advance times down the field can be captured during the irrigation event.

The SISCOweb processes available today determine the infiltration curve for the field during the irrigation event, and then optimise for the best time to cut-off the irrigation water supply into the field. This can be delivered as a scheduled closure time on an automation gate, or via an SMS to growers managing the irrigation.

Optimising individual irrigation events will help growers apply the right amount of water and help improve irrigation water use efficiency.