Halling, Isaac (2024) Surface Irrigation Variability Analysis and Modelling using Advance Furrow Sensors. [USQ Project]
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Abstract
This research project investigates the impact of soil compaction on surface irrigation performance with the aim to enhance irrigation efficiency in Australian agriculture. It was observed through the reviewing of literature that many farms experience high degrees of compaction variability and that irrigation modelling software’s have not been used to address this issue. The study utilizes a Surface Irrigation Simulation, Calibration and Optimisation (SISCO) tool to assist in the analysis of field variability. The project involved collaborations with the Centre for Agricultural Engineering employing a current advance moisture sensor design to provide data in real time on an irrigation event for calibrating soil infiltration parameters in SISCO.
The field trials were conducted at Struanville Farming Co in South-east Queensland where furrows of variable compaction were analyzed. Particularly tramlines, normal/uncompacted and planting track furrows were monitored to assess the intensity of infiltration and runoff that occurred. SISCO individual furrow simulations revealed that higher compacted furrows had significantly reduced infiltration and higher runoff, which thereby lowered application efficiency. Three separate strategies were compared with the assistance of SISCO multi furrow analysis. It was found that the third irrigation proposal, which had an optimised duration and flow rate increased the application efficiency by over 20% when compared to the actual event achieving a peak application efficiency of 75.57%.
The study findings confirm that adjusting irrigation strategies based on the level of compaction can yield substantial improvement to the irrigation performance. The project provides a framework for more sustainable irrigation practices within Australia that promotes higher crop yields, reduced water wastage and improved soil health.
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| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Agriculture and Environmental Science (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Gillies, Malcolm |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Agricultural) |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Oct 2025 23:50 |
| Last Modified: | 07 Oct 2025 23:50 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | soil compaction; irrigation; Australia; agriculture |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53046 |
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