Irrigation water use in the Eton irrigation scheme

Abstract

The objectives of the survey were: to determine irrigation management strategies used by the canegrowers; to determine water use efficiency for individual blocks; and to identify irrigation practices which affect water use efficiency.Survey forms and show cards were designed to assist in the interview process. These were tested and then modified after interviewing 10 canegrowers. The final versions of the survey forms and show cards are attached (Appendix 1). A total of 53 canegrowers was interviewed. Questions were devised to ascertain details of canegrowers' experience when canegrowers irrigated; interaction of soil types by irrigation; interaction of water requirements of cane by irrigation; irrigation methods; record keeping; farm details and irrigation equipment; water supply; quantitative yield data; and effects of irrigation on social and other issues.