Understanding irrigation decisions: from enterprise planning to the paddock

Abstract

[Preface]: This publication combines the experiences and insights of irrigation consultants and extension officers with that of social, agronomic and engineering scientists. The resultant publication is targeted at those who advise, support and supply irrigation dependent enterprises with new information, tools and equipment. We have purposely defined irrigation decisions in their broadest context. This is based on the authors’ experiences who collectively have observed many failures when irrigation decisions are not placed in the context of the irrigation enterprise. In bringing together contributors across a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds, we commenced by agreeing on the following key principles: • Irrigation is a business. • Irrigation decisions are made right across the enterprise - at planning (strategic) and management (tactical) levels. • Irrigation enables enterprises and communities to exist in regions where otherwise there would be none. • Irrigation is but one input. To improve irrigation practice we must ensure that irrigation decisions are integrated into the enterprise. • Irrigation can be a powerful crop management tool. Correct irrigation decisions can have a major impact on crop yield, quality and profitability. • Production and business sustainability are the big drivers of adoption of new information, tools and equipment. • Irrigation decisions are made by people. By providing the context in which irrigation decisions are made the potential value of innovations are increased. Placing information, tools and equipment appropriately into the irrigation enterprise’s existing system increases the likelihood of successful business, productivity and environmental outcomes.