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November 2015
Figure 1: A typical IrriCheck irrigation recommendation showing a seven day forecast in mm.
in advance. In addition, actual irrigation should be measured and
checked against the recommendations in order to identify problems
or check soil probe calibrations.
Recommendations should also be available on mobile applications
for easy access – anywhere, anytime. Not all technologies are able to
do this and producers should be aware and educate themselves on
the different systems that are available.
While most software systems show changes in soil moisture content,
this is just one of the elements required to schedule accurately. It is
important that the software system implements a holistic approach
by taking into consideration all the factors and data and not just
single aspects.
Pulse
TM
is one of the latest irrigation software systems based on
this holistic approach. It provides real-time, live recommendations;
taking into account and analysing all the required factors and data
above. It has been in development since 1994 (Bertus van der West-
huizen [MSc Agric]) and is proudly South African.
Irrigation scheduling and load shedding
Producers who employ this technology (providing their recommen-
dations are live and in real-time for at least a week in advance) will
be able to compare this to the load shedding schedules to ensure
that they are able to apply the required irrigation amounts when
necessary or to manually adjust this, in which case the system will
automatically readjust in real-time.
Irrigation scheduling and electricity costs
South African producers who have employed basic irrigation sche-
duling systems have experienced reduced pumping hours by as
much as 15% as opposed to their traditional methods with accom-
panying savings in water and electricity costs, as well as much
better utilisation of nutrients. Van Zyl are proud to say that their
clients have achieved up to 30% in electricity savings by using their
Pulse system.
“In addition to the above savings, plants in general react signifi-
cantly better to these favourable, healthy soil conditions, particularly
oxygen rich soils with better microbial activity and less leaching of
nutrients. Under these conditions, yields, but even more so quality is
generally increased and what better way to handle rising costs than
by increasing yields?” Van Zyl closes.
With all the relevant data being collected and analysed, producers
are continuously able to improve on their practices and ultimately
become more and more sustainable.
SA Grain/
Sasol Chemicals (Fertiliser) photo competition
South African producers who have employed basic irrigation scheduling systems have experienced reduced pumping hours by as much as 15%.