Farm 5 NQ Case Study RWUE

The efficient and profitable production of turf grass involves several farm management practices and environmental factors that directly and indirectly influence productivity, energy and water use. The introduction of precision agriculture techniques and sophisticated technologies, as well as adopting modern management practices can help to improve production, but without an understanding of all influencing factors, getting the balance right does not always come easy. 

An irrigation system is made of many components, each influencing the efficiency of the whole system, but an efficient irrigation system is only one part of turf production. A well-managed irrigation system operating at optimum performance cannot compensate for poor water quality or soil health. Conducting soil and water tests as part of a farm assessment will identify any nutrient or salinity issues that may limit production. Understanding how soil and water quality affect turf production can help to refine management practices to reduce the impact of salinity on production. 

In this case study, due to a prolonged drought, rising salinity, the introduction of water restrictions, and the suspension of turf production during the project, we discuss turf production in a high saline environment and how the effects on production can be controlled by adjusting the irrigation schedule and management practices.