Better water use in cotton crops

Australian cotton growers are set to build on their water saving efforts by managing their irrigation water use better through a new software package called HydroLOGIC.

HydroLOGIC, developed by CSIRO Plant Industry as part of the Australian Cotton Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), helps cotton growers develop irrigation plans for their cotton crops to optimise water use and yield.

Irrigation water requirements of a cotton crop depend on irrigation techniques, soil type, crop management, rainfall and evaporation. HydroLOGIC helps growers account for these variables to minimise water consumption yet satisfy their cotton crops' needs. 

Cotton growers use HydroLOGIC by entering information throughout the growing season on the existing soil moisture deficit, determined through soil moisture monitoring equipment, fruit numbers and leaf area. The information is then processed by HydroLOGIC together with long term regional climate data to estimate crop yields and indicate optimum times for irrigation.

HydroLOGIC also allows growers to investigate the effects of different irrigation timing on yield - to balance yield potential with water availability.

Provided free to cotton growers and consultants, HydroLOGIC has the potential to significantly increase water use efficiency and improve the sustainability of the cotton industry.

Throughout September 2003 CSIRO Plant Industry and the Australian Cotton CRC will be holding training for cotton growers to demonstrate how to use HydroLOGIC.

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