Irrigation scheme delivers on water quality, environment
The Amuri Basin Future Farming (ABFF) Project in North Canterbury is making considerable strides in improving irrigation efficiency, riparian management, and environmental innovation.
As farms have become more intensive and labour scarcer and more expensive, RX has seen the need for an evolution of the K-line – a permanent system with the performance of conventional fixed irrigation but adaptable to awkward terrain or odd-shaped areas impossible with normal layouts. This adds the benefit of bringing dead areas into production and increasing farm stocking rates.
Working with a concept originated by Grafton Irrigation, RX Plastics set about developing the G-Set.
How does the system work? First, work out the area to be irrigated and install a 63mm polythene main using a tractor-drawn mole plough. Then the G-Set, comprising the pod (moulded sprinkler body) and a ribbed ground anchor, are attached to the ring main by a tapping saddle.
A patented sliding fitting allows for any variations in depth of the G-Set in relation to ground level, while the ribbed profile of the base of the unit ensures good holding and stability in all soil types.
Once installed, the sprinkler portion is high enough above ground to achieve good spray performance, and to prevent animals stepping on it, but also low enough to prevent dairy cows and beefies from using it as a rubbing post. This should ensure the system has a long, productive lifespan.
In operation, the system is set to deliver low pressure water to each pod in sequence through the day. By running in this manner, rather than trying to run the whole system at once, pressure is maintained, water droplet size is constant and spread patterns are more uniform. This results in maximum utilisation of available water. If all the units were run at once, water pressure at the first and last pod on the ring main would be different, so volumes applied would differ greatly.
The sequence is controlled by either a custom built Baccara timer or a Q-Tech controller with the added features of a tailored adjustment or update via a radio link to the farm office, saving time and labour maintaining the system.
With at least 2000 units now operating in New Zealand, the G-Set is proving a winner with farms with limited labour, or topography and paddock layout not suited to a conventional fixed system. The lower cost of installation also makes it attractive to all types of enterprises.
