Precise real-time automated cotton irrigation for improved water productivity

Water access and irrigation labour availability are significant limiting factors for the Australian cotton industry. This project seeks to continue validation of technologies developed as part of the Smarter Irrigation for Profit 1 program. Current automated systems guide irrigation decisions and control, using low-cost sensors and cameras linked with crop modelling to optimise irrigation (using VARIwise software), under furrow and centre pivot variable rate irrigation. Better measurement can improve the use of valuable water resources. The systems can automatically adapt irrigation to any crop, irrigation platform, soil type, crop, and weather profile.