The leading solution to stress-free and efficient Lucerne irrigation
Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation As more and more growers are faced with diminishing water supplies, the economic viability of growing Lucerne and other broadacre crops has become increasingly challenging. But thanks to Netafim, this is changing. Through the growing popularity of Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation, Australian broadacre farmers are now able to future-proof their cropping and livestock enterprises. Used successfully for a wide range of crops in Australia (and worldwide), Netafim has been providing Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation solutions with efficient economic and agronomic results for many growers for over 20 years. How Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation Works It uses low volume emitters, moulded onto the internal wall of a polyethylene tube, that supply a controlled amount of water (and fertiliser if needed) directly to the root zone of the plant. dripperline wetting pattern The dripper line is buried 200mm to 300mm below the soil surface, using convectional dripperline laying equipment. The Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation laterals are spaced across the paddock at distances from 0.8 to 1.2m apart, depending on the particular soil and crop requirements, to achieve the most cost effective and efficient water delivery system possible. More Crop for Every Drop The Advantages of Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation Netafim s Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation offers many advantages over sprinkler & surface methods, but by far the most important advantage is that, if used correctly, it uses less water and increases yields, and therefore you, the grower, are getting more crop for every drop! The Leading Drip Solution Netafim has led the development of dripperlines throughout the world for the last 40 years. This journey started with initial research & development of the first dripperline ever manufactured and used in commercial Agriculture. Made right here in Australia, Netafim dripperlines are available in both pressure-compensated and non pressure-compensated forms, as well as various tube diameters and dripper spacings to suit your crop s requirements. The pressure-compensated dripperlines also feature an anti-siphon device, preventing blockages from dirt and debris being sucked into the dripperline.
Lucerne Drip Irrigation Case Study Danny Bergamin - Numurkah, Victoria Below is the data from dairy farmer Danny Bergamin s 12 acre Lucerne block for the 2006/2007 season. Netafim SDI Material Cost (excluding installation) Area Irrigated Emitter Lateral Spacing Emitter Spacing Application Rate $4300/ha 5 ha 1.55 l/h dripper 1.0 m 0.50 m 3.1 mm/hr Number of Irrigation Shifts 2 Days per cut 28 Number of cuts 7 Yield per Cut (Silage) Yield per Cut @ 50% moisture Yield per Season (Silage) Yield per Season @ 50% moisture Total water per season 55 bales x 800 kg = 44 t 55 bales x 400 kg = 22 t 44 t x 7 cuts = 308 t 22 t x 7 cuts = 154 t 36 ML Water use t/ml 4.28 Yield t/ha 30.8 Water use ML/Ha 7.2 By comparison, Danny s flood blocks had been traditionally using approximately 10 12 ML/Ha, with an average yield of 8 12 t/ha. This represents a yield per ML of only 1.2 t, which is just one quarter of the efficiency obtained when using Netafim s Sub-Surface Drip system. Note: These costs reflect material only. Installation costs for a complete system will depend on a large number of factors including size and shape of block, proximity of water source, quality of water, existing infrastructure and ground preparation. A ballpark figure of $800 to $1300 per acre will cover most installation scenarios.
Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation Features and Benefits Over and above the benefits of conventional irrigation systems, Netafim s Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation offers many features and benefits that not only put more money in your pocket, but also save you precious time and effort, whilst being environmentally friendly at the same time. Accelerated Crop Growth and Uniformity Netafim s drip systems accurately control the level of moisture within the soil profile over large areas. Irrigations can be applied daily, maintaining soil moisture at an optimum level and thus reducing crop stress at critical growth stages. As a result, ideal soil conditions for the plant are maintained ensuring maximum growth and yields. Growers have consistently found higher yields per cut, extra cuts per year and less water required to achieve these increased yields. Better Control Netafim s CMT (crop management technology) products and solutions provide easy to use and cost effective management tools to better control the irrigation process and the resulting crop growth. Nutrients can be applied through the irrigation system directly to the roots, as the plant needs them (fertigation). Enhanced Flexibility Netafim s Sub-Surface Drip systems can be installed on marginal soils and on various landscapes, such as soils with low infiltration or water-holding capacity or problematically shaped paddocks where other methods of irrigation are simply not viable. Low Operating-Costs Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation is a low pressure, low energy and low operating cost system. Generally, valves only require 12 to 15 meters of pressure, plus mainline and filter requirements, to operate efficiently with cost effective results. Less Weed Growth Because the root zone of the crop is being irrigated, with very little water rising to the surface, germination of weeds is minimal. Improved Crop Health Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation allows foliage to be kept dry, retarding the incubation and development of plant pathogens Better Accessibility Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation allows access to the field during irrigation, giving flexibility to conduct other cultural practices. Environmentally Friendly Use Of Water In addition to higher tons per ML irrigated, Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation also reduces surface evaporation, run-off and soil erosion, whilst providing the opportunity for waste water re-use if required. Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation also minimises soil compaction. Labour Saving Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation can be automated, thus saving labour (and allowing more sleep-ins). Good Return-On-Investment Netafim s Sub-Surface Dripperlines are easily and cost effectively maintained and have been known to be underground for over 15 years. Netafim s Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation provides a very competitive ROI due to the increased yields, reduced operating costs, and the reliability and longevity of the equipment. Backed by an experienced team We ve been involved with Lucerne Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation for over 15 years in Australia - building strong partnerships with accredited dealers and installers to ensure you always receive a cost effective and reliable system. Netafim s experienced team comprises of qualified Agronomists, Soil and Water Engineers, Irrigation Designers and Technicians. These people are the core of our Technical Service Department, providing the highest standard of before and after sales service in the irrigation industry.
Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation Products & components Netafim has an extensive family of dripperlines and complementary equipment to meet all your Lucerne cropping needs. Non Pressure-Compensating Dripperlines With emitters that feature large and wide passages, massive filtration areas and short labyrinths - Netafim dripperlines offer the highest resistance to clogging. A wide range of wall thicknesses are available for any application, with a flap outlet for preventing root intrusion and suck back. Pressure-Compensating Dripperlines DripNet PC is Netafim s latest generation in affordable and reliable irrigation for long runs and undulating topography. Driven by the most advanced pressure-compensating dripper technology available, its unique anti-siphon feature eliminates suck back while delivering consistent and accurate flow over a wide range of pressures from 0.5 to 2.5 Bar. Controllers Netafim s own NMC Junior and NMC 64 controllers are the most user friendly and reliable on the market. These controllers allow complete system automation including valve operation, filter flushing, fertigation and even alarm messages straight to your mobile phone. Filters Filtration plays a critical role in your irrigation system. Netafim s experience is unmatched, with their Arkal Disc and Odis Gravel Filters. These are vital for irrigating Lucerne, ensuring ongoing reliable operation through primary and secondary filtration and easy ongoing maintenance. Valves Netafim s hydraulic valves set the benchmark in the Australian agriculture industry. Available in sizes ranging from 40mm to 300mm, they can handle a complete range of flows and pressures suited to Australian agriculture requirements.
Australia: PO Box 248 Laverton Vic 3028 t. (03) 8331 6500 f. (03) 9369 3865 New Zealand: PO Box 53139 Airport Mail Centre Manukau City 2150 t. (09) 256 2551 f. (09) 256 2552 Web: www.netafim.com.au www.netafim.co.nz Andrew Pollard 0427 853 197 Regional Sales Manager Vic Mac Ross 0417 731 421 State Sales Manager Vic & Tas Wayne Ingram 0428 351 901 State Sales Manager NSW Adam Lean 0417 838 964 State Sales Manager SA & Mildura David Rose 0407 587 646 State Sales Manager WA & NT Dirk Murrell 0417 584 581 State Sales Manager QLD