The future of irrigation technologies and practices is here now.

Abstract

Irrigation industry growth over the last 100 years has been principally based around expanding irrigation areas and increasing the capture and use of water resources. However, with the exception of potential new irrigation areas in northern Australia, future industry growth will increasingly be based on the potential to improve volumetric efficiencies and agronomic water use productivity. While there has recently been significant national interest around investments in off-farm infrastructure, it is clear that there will also need to be substantial investment in on-farm technologies and practices. This paper discusses the major drivers for irrigation sector change and the areas of technology and practice investment which will be required for the irrigation industry to survive and prosper in the future.