To compare alternate row irrigation to watering every furrow
There is anecdotal evidence that irrigating every second row in the Burdekin can reduce water use and still maintain crop yields. There are a number of growers using this technique however there is no science behind the water saving or crop factors surrounding this practice. While there may be yield decreases from irrigating every second row, it is thought that irrigating in this fashion will reduce the amount of water applied and therefore reduce pumping costs and therefore increasing net profitability during the sugarcane crop.