tHe LeaDing SoLution to StreSS-free anD efficient Lucerne ... - Netafim

The leadingsolution tostress-freeandefficientLucerneirrigation

Sub-Surface Drip IrrigationAs more and more growers are faced with diminishing water supplies,the economic viability of growing Lucerne and other broadacre cropshas become increasingly challenging. But thanks to Netafim,this is changing. Through the growing popularity of Sub-SurfaceDrip Irrigation, Australian broadacre farmers are now able to‘future-proof’ their cropping and livestock enterprises.Used successfully for a wide range of crops in Australia(and worldwide), Netafim has been providing Sub-Surface DripIrrigation solutions with efficient economic and agronomic resultsfor many growers for over 20 years.How Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation WorksIt uses low volume emitters, ‘moulded’ ontothe internal wall of a polyethylene tube,that supply a controlled amount of water(and fertiliser if needed) directly to the rootzone of the plant.dripperlinewetting patternThe dripper line is buried 200mm to 300mmbelow the soil surface, using convectionaldripperline laying equipment. The Sub-SurfaceDrip Irrigation laterals are spaced across thepaddock at distances from 0.8 to 1.2m apart,depending on the particular soil and croprequirements, to achieve the mostcost effective and efficient water deliverysystem possible.‘More Crop for Every Drop’The Advantages of Sub-Surface Drip IrrigationNetafim’s Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation offersmany advantages over sprinkler & surfacemethods, but by far the most important advantageis that, if used correctly, it uses less water andincreases yields, and therefore you, the grower,are getting more crop for every drop!The Leading Drip SolutionNetafim has led the development of dripperlinesthroughout the world for the last 40 years.This journey started with initial research& development of the first dripperline evermanufactured and used in commercial Agriculture.Made right here in Australia, Netafim dripperlinesare available in both pressure-compensatedand non pressure-compensated forms, as well asvarious tube diameters and dripper spacings to suityour crop’s requirements.The pressure-compensated dripperlines alsofeature an anti-siphon device, preventingblockages from dirt and debris being suckedinto the dripperline.

Lucerne Drip IrrigationCase Study Danny Bergamin - Numurkah, VictoriaBelow is the data from dairy farmer Danny Bergamin’s 12 acre Lucerne block for the 2006/2007 season.Netafim SDIMaterial Cost (excluding installation)Area IrrigatedEmitterLateral SpacingEmitter SpacingApplication Rate$4300/ha5 ha1.55 l/h dripper1.0 m0.50 m3.1 mm/hrNumber of Irrigation Shifts 2Days per cut 28Number of cuts 7Yield per Cut (Silage)Yield per Cut @ 50% moistureYield per Season (Silage)Yield per Season @ 50% moistureTotal water per season55 bales x 800 kg = 44 t55 bales x 400 kg = 22 t44 t x 7 cuts = 308 t22 t x 7 cuts = 154 t36 MLWater use t/ML 4.28Yield t/Ha 30.8Water use ML/Ha 7.2By comparison, Danny’s flood blocks had been traditionally using approximately 10 – 12 ML/Ha, with anaverage yield of 8 – 12 t/Ha. This represents a yield per ML of only 1.2 t, which is just one quarter of theefficiency obtained when using Netafim’s Sub-Surface Drip system.Note: These costs reflect material only. Installation costs for a complete system will depend on a large number of factors includingsize and shape of block, proximity of water source, quality of water, existing infrastructure and ground preparation.A ballpark figure of $800 to $1300 per acre will cover most installation scenarios.

Sub-Surface Drip IrrigationFeatures and BenefitsOver and above the benefits of conventional irrigation systems, Netafim’s Sub-Surface Drip Irrigationoffers many features and benefits that not only put more money in your pocket, but also save youprecious time and effort, whilst being ‘environmentally friendly’ at the same time.Accelerated Crop Growth and UniformityNetafim’s drip systems accurately control thelevel of moisture within the soil profile overlarge areas. Irrigations can be applied daily,maintaining soil moisture at an optimum leveland thus reducing crop stress at critical growthstages. As a result, ideal soil conditions for theplant are maintained ensuring maximum growthand yields. Growers have consistently foundhigher yields per cut, extra cuts per year and lesswater required to achieve these increased yields.Better ControlNetafim’s CMT (crop management technology)products and solutions provide easy to use andcost effective management tools to bettercontrol the irrigation process and the resultingcrop growth. Nutrients can be applied throughthe irrigation system directly to the roots, as theplant needs them (fertigation).Enhanced FlexibilityNetafim’s Sub-Surface Drip systems can beinstalled on marginal soils and on variouslandscapes, such as soils with low infiltrationor water-holding capacity or problematicallyshaped paddocks where other methods ofirrigation are simply not viable.Low Operating-CostsSub-Surface Drip Irrigation is a low pressure,low energy and low operating cost system.Generally, valves only require 12 to 15 metersof pressure, plus mainline and filter requirements,to operate efficiently with cost effective results.Less Weed GrowthBecause the root zone of the crop is beingirrigated, with very little water rising to thesurface, germination of weeds is minimal.Improved Crop HealthSub-Surface Drip Irrigation allows foliage tobe kept dry, retarding the incubation anddevelopment of plant pathogensBetter AccessibilitySub-Surface Drip Irrigation allows access tothe field during irrigation, giving flexibilityto conduct other cultural practices.Environmentally Friendly Use Of WaterIn addition to higher tons per ML irrigated,Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation also reduces surfaceevaporation, run-off and soil erosion, whilstproviding the opportunity for waste waterre-use if required. Sub-Surface Drip Irrigationalso minimises soil compaction.Labour SavingSub-Surface Drip Irrigation can be automated,thus saving labour (and allowing more sleep-ins).Good Return-On-InvestmentNetafim’s Sub-Surface Dripperlines are easilyand cost effectively maintained and have beenknown to be ‘underground’ for over 15 years.Netafim’s Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation provides avery competitive ROI due to the increased yields,reduced operating costs, and the reliability andlongevity of the equipment.Backed by an experienced teamWe’ve been involved with Lucerne Sub-SurfaceDrip Irrigation for over 15 years in Australia -building strong partnerships with accrediteddealers and installers to ensure you always receivea cost effective and reliable system.Netafim’s experienced team comprises of qualifiedAgronomists, Soil and Water Engineers, IrrigationDesigners and Technicians. These people arethe core of our Technical Service Department,providing the highest standard of before andafter sales service in the irrigation industry.

Sub-Surface Drip IrrigationProducts & componentsNetafim has an extensive family of dripperlines and complementary equipmentto meet all your Lucerne cropping needs.Non Pressure-Compensating DripperlinesWith emitters that feature large and wide passages,massive filtration areas and short labyrinths -Netafim dripperlines offer the highest resistanceto clogging. A wide range of wall thicknesses areavailable for any application, with a flap outletfor preventing root intrusion and suck back.Pressure-Compensating DripperlinesDripNet PC is Netafim’s latest generation inaffordable and reliable irrigation for long runsand undulating topography. Driven by themost advanced pressure-compensating drippertechnology available, its unique anti-siphonfeature eliminates suck back while deliveringconsistent and accurate flow over a wide rangeof pressures from 0.5 to 2.5 Bar.ControllersNetafim’s own NMC Junior and NMC 64controllers are the most user friendly andreliable on the market. These controllers allowcomplete system automation including valveoperation, filter flushing, fertigation and evenalarm messages straight to your mobile phone.FiltersFiltration plays a critical role in your irrigationsystem. Netafim’s experience is unmatched,with their Arkal Disc and Odis Gravel Filters.These are vital for irrigating Lucerne, ensuringongoing reliable operation through primary andsecondary filtration and easy ongoing maintenance.ValvesNetafim’s hydraulic valves set the benchmarkin the Australian agriculture industry.Available in sizes ranging from 40mm to300mm, they can handle a complete rangeof flows and pressures suited to Australianagriculture requirements.

Australia:PO Box 248Laverton Vic 3028t. (03) 8331 6500f. (03) 9369 3865New Zealand:PO Box 53139Airport Mail Centre Manukau City 2150t. (09) 256 2551f. (09) 256 2552Web:www.netafim.com.auwww.netafim.co.nzAndrew Pollard 0427 853 197Regional Sales Manager VicMac Ross 0417 731 421State Sales Manager Vic & TasWayne Ingram 0428 351 901State Sales Manager NSWAdam Lean 0417 838 964State Sales Manager SA & MilduraDavid Rose 0407 587 646State Sales Manager WA & NTDirk Murrell 0417 584 581State Sales Manager QLD