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Farm advice: Get ready for irrigation season
With spring just around the corner, there are a number of things irrigators need to be thinking about
The first is completing pre-season irrigation checks and planning for the season ahead. This involves checking flows and pressures are within 10% of operating design specifications to ensure water is applied efficiently.
You will also need to check for leaks in your system, broken sprinklers, and that end gun settings are set correctly.
A bucket test should also be undertaken to check your system is applying water evenly. IrrigationNZ has developed a free bucket test app called 'Check It' that you can download from Google Play or the App Store. We're also currently developing a series of videos for our members on how to undertake a bucket test on different irrigation systems, which will be useful in the future.
Having a leak or a system that applies too much water can cost you a lot in additional electricity costs and waste precious water, so it's important to pick up any faults before the season begins.
The value of having soil moisture monitoring and weather forecasting tools to assist you to decide when to irrigate is also very effective, so if you haven't invested in these options, it's worthwhile looking at what is available. IrrigationNZ has guides for members on these topics on our website.
Before you start irrigating, you should also walk the track the irrigator will travel to check that there are no hazards in its path, such as trees, fence lines, or farm equipment.
August is also a good time to make a plan for how you will manage irrigation scheduling across the coming season.
For example, if it's very dry, you'll need to know your higher production areas and whether you can switch off irrigation in less productive areas in order to prioritise irrigating your most productive areas.
Refreshing staff knowledge and upskilling new staff in irrigation management is also important. Allowing staff who have not been properly trained to operate irrigation systems can result in costly maintenance problems, which may leave your irrigation system in need of repair and unavailable when you most need it.
IrrigationNZ has two upcoming Irrigation Manager and Operator training days being held at Lincoln and Ashburton in September. The days are a mix of classroom learning and
in-the-paddock practical application that cover:
- what good irrigation management practice is, how to achieve it and meet regulatory requirements,
- how to operate an irrigation system correctly,
- when to irrigate and how to manage your irrigation when water is limited to maintain your production,
- how to manage your irrigation systems to keep them operating well, and
- what technology is useful and practical to help make irrigation decisions.
More information about the training is available online at irrigationnz.co.nz/events.
Finally, we usually receive our strongest winds over springtime, so it's wise to follow the weather for any strong wind warnings and how to respond to these.
In short, it's advised to point the irrigator into the prevailing wind direction, park it, and anchor it by tying it down. More detailed advice on how to do this is available online at irrigationnz.co.nz under the 'Practical Resources/Risk Advice' link.
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After passing over Hainan, Tropical Storm Son-tinh has its sights set on China and northern parts of Vietnam and Laos in the coming days.
As this storm tracks westward, the greatest risk for flooding and local damaging winds will increase from northern Vietnam and Laos late Wednesday into Thursday.
Mudslides may further endanger lives and property in the mountains.
Flooding rainfall will be the most widespread threat as rainfall of 75-150 mm (3-6 inches) will be widespread from Hainan into northern Vietnam and Laos. This includes the Vietnam capital of Hanoi and the Lao capital of Vientiane. Hardest-hit areas can expect rainfall amounts up to 250 mm (10 inches).
According to the Lao Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, the most affected areas in Laos include Khammouane, Bolikhamxay, Xaysomboun, Vientiane, Xiengkhouang, Sayaboury and Luang Prabang.
The extent of the risk for damaging winds will hinge on how strong the storm becomes. Interaction with Hainan will likely hinder overall strengthening and limit damaging winds to areas near and along the path of the storm.
Areas at risk for damaging winds include areas in Vietnam between Vinh and Thanh Hoa late Wednesday into Thursday.
Son-tinh will weaken as it moves farther inland, ending the threat for any damaging winds before the storm reaches northern Laos.
Rough seas will also be stirred and create dangers for boaters as the storm churns across the South China Sea and Gulf of Tonkin.
The storm was named Henry in the Philippines where it produced heavy rainfall across parts of Luzon earlier this week.
All residents at risk for impacts from this budding storm are urged to closely monitor its progress. Be sure to follow the advice of local government and heed any evacuation orders in the coming days. Keep gas tanks filled and mobile phones fully charged.

subset: commoncrawl