An objective of this research was to create a water balance model for white clover seed production. In conjunction with the water balance investigation, determination of $return/ML applied to assess water use efficiency would be studied. Overlaying this research was the aim of assessing current, as well as historical, impacts of irrigation management on soil chemistry and structure. The objective
was to gain more understanding of how irrigation practices affect the soil and how this in turn impacts on white clover production both presently and into the future

Irrigators should be advised by policy makers in the strongest possible terms to utilise continual logging soil moisture monitoring in their irrigation management plans. Soil moisture monitoring should not be viewed as an optional extra in an irrigation system but rather as the control centre that determines when to irrigate and how much to apply. The role of irrigation for crop production and salinity management requires soil moisture monitoring to determine the optimal time and volumes to achieve measurable objectives. Further research is needed to qualify and quantify the use of salt leaching irrigations as well as the use of gypsum applications to manage surface compaction created by stock and irrigation impact. White clover seed producers need to improve their attention to irrigation efficiency and focus on the net $ return/ML of irrigation applied. They are also advised to review their agronomic practices including paddock selection and rotations to aid in mitigating their current high end herbicide use on the white clover seed crops.