Now as we move into spring and temperatures start to rise, the evaporation rate will increase, as will the requirement for irrigation.
Below are some general suggestions to follow, to help you prepare for the approaching irrigation season.
These actions will maximise the opportunity for pasture growth and reduce the chance of breakdowns during the season.
Surface irrigation
The first and most important step is to remove vegetation, silt or other blockages from channels and drains to make sure irrigation water flows well, with minimum head loss.
Anything in your channels or drains that slows down the flow of water will cause head loss and increase the chance of waterlogging or losing water to deep drainage, depending on your soil type.
Heavier soils will show waterlogging issues, such as reduced pasture growth and quality, while lighter soils will lose a lot of water to deep drainage.
Ensuring water flows on and off the bay as fast as possible is key to efficient surface irrigation.
Check your outlets for any damage during the off-season and repair any outlets that have leaks or other issues and check your reuse pump is running efficiently.
Centre pivots and linear moves
If you are an irrigator with centre pivot and linear move systems, check your sprinkler chart and ensure the sprinkler package matches the chart and your machine.
It is recommended that sprinkler and regulator packages should be replaced every 10,000 hours, at a minimum.
Sprinklers account for more than 70 per cent of your system’s performance, therefore it is vital to get this part of your machine right.
Turn the machine on and inspect your machine for any broken or leaking sprinklers. Ensure your end gun and booster pump, if you have one, turns on and off in the correct places.
Check the pressure at the pump supplying the system to ensure the entire machine can run and maintain the correct pressure.
Measurements at the second span, middle span and last sprinkler will ensure the system is running at the correct pressure to supply the spans and the end gun.
Check your irrigator’s tyre pressures and check your pump is running efficiently and has received appropriate servicing and maintenance.
Fixed sprays/bike shift laterals
Irrigators with fixed or lateral sprays need to ensure that their pumps are operational and supplying the correct pressure for their spray systems.
Running higher pressure than required will waste energy and cost money, while lower pressure than recommended will decrease the uniformity of the system.
Regular maintenance and servicing of pumps can more than pay for itself when ensuring correct functioning and problem prevention.
Check all visible infrastructure (lines, hydrants, posts, sprinklers) for damage/leaks, and unblock any sprinklers that are clogged.
For more information on irrigation scheduling, visit: or phone 136 186.extensionaus.com.au/irrigatingag/home
By Agriculture Victoria irrigation extension officer Alexis Killoran