Drip irrigation
Paul first installed trickle irrigation on one hectare in 2008. This was followed by a further five hectares in 2009, and 4.5 hectares in 2010, resulting in a total of 10.5 hectares under trickle irrigation.
Paul’s farming system includes reduced tillage through the use of zonal tillage and bed forming. Paul incorporates rotational fallow crops and prefers a legume crop if the season suits. He is also using a stool splitter to apply sub-surface granular fertiliser and looks to apply small amounts, more frequently, if practicable. Paul has started EM mapping and will continue to do so.
To improve Pauls water use efficiency and reduce his water loss Paul has installed a sub-surface drip irrigation system that provides small volumes of water more frequently to maximise water use efficiency and reduce losses to deep drainage.