Modernisation of furrow irrigation in the sugar industry : Final report 2014/079

Abstract

Irrigation is an essential part of sugarcane production in many of the sugarcane regions in Australia. Like all agricultural industries, the Australian sugarcane industry is under continuous pressure to demonstrate that it is using water resources in a profitable and responsible manner. Much of the industry is situated on the Queensland coast in close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon, which increases the importance of good management and minimising offsite impacts. The industry has been proactive in this regard, most recently through the Smartcane BMP programme. These initiatives are a formal recognition that growers are actively engaging with the principles of sustainability and minimising adverse environmental outcomes.