Global Irrigation Model

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Global Irrigation Model

A Pilot Program by South San Joaquin Irrigation District Has Been Recognized as a Global Model for Water Conscious, Efficient Farming

One of the world's leading scientific authorities on irrigation and drainage recognized a South San Joaquin Irrigation District (SSJID) pilot program as a global model for water conscious, efficient farming.

"The Irrigation Enhancement (Pilot) Project has changed the way we think about water use," said Jeff Shields, SSJID general manager. "We're humbled to see that this effort has inspired peers across the nation and the world. The district is currently studying the possibility of pressurizing its entire system because of the overwhelming success of this project. "

Maximizing the "Crop per Drop" in California's Drought

Previously, this district division relied on a gravity based system, which used a network of irrigation canals and pipelines to deliver water. With the new system, irrigation water is distributed to customers across 3,800 acres of California's Central Valley using 19 miles of pressurized pipeline through an automated channel. The new system reduces spills by 10,000 acre feet and overall conserves 12,000 acre-feet of water per year (the equivalent of 76,800 people's water use). Additionally, the district also noted the pilot has reduced reliance upon groundwater, improved air quality and reduced energy savings both in fuel and electricity costs.

Water at the Touch of an iPad

Using an online system similar to an airline ticketing platform, growers within the Irrigation Enhancement Project now log-in to schedule their water deliveries. Additional information on current and past weather forecasts, previous water usage and historical evapotranspiration rates is also available on the website. Each farmer then selects from available delivery dates and later receives alerts via email and text message before and after delivery to confirm volume and flow rate data. Also supporting the system, moisture sensors placed in the ground on each grower's property help indicate optimal ordering times when almond and walnut trees are at their greatest need. After providing each parcel with water through 76 solar-powered customer connections including valves and meters, delivery information is recorded on a dedicated, secure website for both the district and the growers.

Source: Agroprofessional

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