Irrigation and Water Management

Irrigation and Water Management presents the technical, economic, environmental and policy aspects of water for irrigation in agriculture and further discusses the case study of Murray Darling Basin, the most significant agricultural areas in Australia. The key components covered in this course are: irrigation scheduling and drainage; different types of irrigation techniques; water salinity and other issues with quality of irrigation water; environmental impact of irrigation; Institutions, water markets, policy and governance issues discussed in the context of Murray Darling Basin; alternate sources of irrigation – wastewater recycling; and impact of climate change on water for irrigation. The course is delivered as - lectures from academics, research scientists and industry experts; field trips and through short online educational videos. Dookie campus, being located in the heart of a major irrigation district of MDB, offers the opportunity to see some major irrigation infrastructure of the region and interact with industry experts on the field trip.

• 1Describe the scale, distribution and management of the major irrigation systems in south-eastern Australia
• 2Evaluate plant water requirements in terms of water quality and frequency of supply
• 3Apply basic principles of hydraulics to the selection of irrigation systems appurtenances and structures
• 4Assess irrigation systems in terms of efficiency, economy, energy-use and environmental impact
• 5Recognise the advantages and disadvantages of common irrigation systems
• 6Recognise the need for efficient irrigation drainage as well as water supply