A review of aspects of furrow irrigation applicable to the Burdekin

The Burdekin region is a fertile, but relatively low rainfall area, where the annual precipitation of 1070 mm is greatly exceeded by the annual pan evaporation of 170 mm (Kalamia Estate data). The region has a nine month growing season (Kingston and Chapman, 1975) with only June, July and August having an average daily growing season and natural fertility, irrigation is essential. Irrigation costs are a significant proportion of the cost of production of cane, particularly in an estate type situation such as Kalamia Estate, where they can exceed harvesting costs. This review is part of a project aimed at reducing the costs of furrow irrigation in the Burdekin. The aim of the review is to assemble the facts about cane water demand, soil properties and furrow irrigation. This will assist in achieving maximum production while containing costs through minimising wastage and increasing automation.