Vegenotes59

4 / 4

occurred in longer season crops (eight to 15 weeks) and
larger scale vegetable production areas such as Tasmania,”
Mr Harvey explained.
“When changing their irrigation systems, it is important that
growers consider a holistic management approach – this will
influence soil management, weed control, bed design and
disease management.”
Precision irrigation technologies such as drones and robots had
potential application but needed further investigation.
“The need for ongoing technical and agronomic support is
critical when investing in new technologies or management
practices, especially if growers are looking to maximise its
potential benefits,” Mr Harvey said.
NEXT STEPS
A comprehensive social research program is recommended to
identify the specific barriers to adoption of irrigation technologies
and management practices in the Australian vegetable industry.
Future work would focus on impediments to adoption of
irrigation technologies, targeting specific technologies for
adoption in certain crop groups and the use of minimum tillage
and permanent beds on drip-irrigation.
A full version of the report is available on the Irrigation Australia
website under the ‘Publications’ tab.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia
Limited using the research and development National Vegetable
Levy and funds from the Australian Government.
THE BOTTOM LINE: VG14048
Simple visual tools for irrigation are preferred by growers
and must be easy to install, set up and interpret. Some
growers have dis-adopted certain technologies due to
lack of perceived value of moving to more efficient tools.
Rising energy costs are a concern for all growers,
highlighting the importance of investing in energy-efficient
irrigation equipment.
Technical support is critical for growers when investing in
new irrigation technologies or management practices.
ISSN: 1449 - 1397
Copyright© AUSVEG Ltd and Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2017
No part of this publication can be copied or reproduced without the permission of the original authors. Vegenotes is produced by AUSVEG Ltd.
PO Box 138, Camberwell, Vic, 3124 T: 03 9882 0277 | F: 03 9882 6722
This project has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the research and development National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.
DISCLAIMER: Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of all statements and claims made in Vegenotes, however, due to the nature of the industry, it is impossible for
us to know your precise circumstances. Therefore, we disclaim any responsibility for any action you take as a result of reading Vegenotes. Horticulture Innovation Australia
Limited (Hort Innovation) makes no representations and expressly disclaims all warranties (to the extent permitted by law) about the accuracy, completeness, or currency of
information in Vegenotes. Reliance on any information provided by Hort Innovation is entirely at your own risk. Hort Innovation is not responsible for, and will not be liable for,
any loss, damage, claim, expense, cost (including legal costs) or other liability arising in any way, including from any Hort Innovation or other person’s negligence or otherwise
from your use or non-use of Vegenotes, or from reliance on information contained in the material or that Hort Innovation provides to you by any other means.
Please contact Michelle De’Lisle at AUSVEG on 03 9882 0277 or email to submit topics for
potential inclusion in future editions of Vegenotes.
Image credits:
VG15062 – Applied Horticulture Research and Incitec Pivot
VG14048 – Irrigation Australia Limited
Do you have any feedback on the redesigned Vegenotes or Vegetables Australia? We would be happy to hear from you!
Contact the editorial team on 03 9882 0277 or email .