Initial evaluation of telemetry technology for travelling gun irrigator shows reduced energy and water use and improved yield and quality of carrots

Energy and water use efficiency are two key challenges for the vegetable industry. A travelling gun irrigator was retro-fitted with irrigation and telemetry components to maintain a desired set pressure at the gun regardless of slope or length of the irrigation run. Initial comparison of modified and conventional travelling gun irrigation improved yield of carrots by 7.7 t/ha (9%) with reductions of 17% and 5 % in energy and water use. This retro-fit technology has the potential to reduce energy and water consumption during irrigation using travelling irrigators on undulating topography thus delaying major capital investment in new equipment.