Variable rate irrigation for better potatoes

2016
CC BY 4.0

Research organisatons

Trial details

Researcher(s) N/A
Year(s) 2016
Contributor West Midlands Group
Trial location(s) Dandaragan, WA
Variable rate irrigation for better potatoes locations
Aims

To demonstrate the use of soil mapping and soil moisture sensors as data sources for variable rate irrigation and fertigation decisions, with the ultimate aim of reducing pumping and fertiliser costs, improving potato yields and quality and reducing the risk of nutrient enrichment of waterways and wetlands.

Key messages
  • Centre pivot irrigation plots were surveyed using gamma radiometric and electromagnetic sensors.
  • Soil moisture sensors with 3G logging devices were installed in contrasting soil types according to interpretation of the gamma radiometric data.
  • Replicated yield and quality estimates were conducted on each soil type
  • Yields and tuber classes varied significantly between soil types
  • Experiments to determine optimal irrigation and fertiliser regimes for contrasting soil types will be conducted in 2017.
Lead research organisation Precision Agronomics Australia
Host research organisation West Midlands Group
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments

David Anderson, Supafresh; Craig Ryan, Pemberton Potatoes; Outpost Central; Bronwyn Fox, West Midlands Group


Other trial partners Not specified

Method

Crop type None: No crop specified
Trial type
Trial design

Dandaragan 2016

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Trial source data and summary not available
Check the trial report PDF for trial results.
Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Dandaragan, WA Not specified
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Dandaragan, WA Tenosol
Soil Moisture Source: BOM/ANU
Average amount of water stored in the soil profile during the year, estimated by the OzWALD model-data fusion system.
Year Dandaragan WA
2016 112.9mm
2015 126.5mm
2014 109.1mm
2013 127.1mm
2012 141.7mm
2011 109.9mm
2010 100.6mm
2009 128.0mm
2008 132.0mm
2007 100.3mm
2006 111.9mm
2005 120.0mm
2004 109.6mm
2003 110.7mm
2002 86.8mm
2001 73.0mm
2000 131.1mm
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

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Climate

Derived climate information

No observed climate data available for this trial.
Derived climate data is determined from trial site location and national weather sources.

Dandaragan WA

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Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.

Trial report and links


No trial reports or attachments found


Trial last modified: 06-08-2019 07:54am AEST