A preliminary investigation of alternate furrow irrigation for sugar cane production

Alternate furrow irrigation (API) has been successfully used in a variety of cropping systems and climatic conditions to conserve water without loss in production. The potential for API to reduce water use in the Burdekin, was investigated, with crop growth rates, water extraction, water advance rates and final yield measured on several sites and soils. API reduced yield compared to every furrow irrigation (EFI) when the same irrigation frequency was used in both treatments. However, when API was applied more frequently in response to the crop's evapotranspirative demand, there was no decrease in yield. Except for. the cracking clay soil, less water was applied for API treatments than for EFI,. coinciding with a reduction in the irrigation deficit used to schedule irrigations. API also an improved crop water use efficiency. This work suggests that API may be successfully used in the sugar industry in areas or periods of restricted water supply .. However, further research is required to determine the full range of conditions and management practices necessary and to develop practical guidelines.