In the last decade, there’s been a steady movement to more controlled and precise water management. No one has seen that trend more clearly than Ray MacKenzie, design and sales, for Vanden Bussche Irrigation, Delhi, Ontario.
    

In a March 22 presentation to the Ontario Hazelnut Association, he outlined some of the benefits and machinery used in drip irrigation. Graphically he showed the different watering patterns of overhead or flood irrigation vs sprinkler vs drip. When using drip irrigation only the water which has been used by the plant in the previous day or two is added to the soil resulting in a more balanced mix of air, water and nutrients in the soil. 
    

Additionally, since the water is applied only to the active root zone, a lot of water can be saved. Most crops in Ontario will use approximately one inch of water a week when in full production. This equates to more than 27,000 US gallons per acre. The amount that is saved comes from the wasted water which is in the form of overspray, wind drift, evaporation, run off and watering areas between rows (think apple orchards) etc with overhead systems. This could be up to 50 per cent savings on some systems.
    

The newer technology has the benefits of distributing smaller amounts of water, more frequently and offering the flexibility of fertigation. A healthier plant environment also allows for better nutrient uptake and less disease pressure. Growers like the lower pumping costs and less weed pressure, in addition to more flexible irrigation timing.
    

“The newest crop to take advantage of drip irrigation is haskaps,” says MacKenzie. “Along with drip irrigation is an increased need for frost protection. We’re installing more sprinklers and row covers.” 
    

Row covers range from 20 grams to 40 grams in weight. The heavier weights are used to protect strawberries, especially the day-neutral varieties.
    

Some apple growers are going back to sprinklers for frost protection, while using the drip method to irrigate. Both aluminum and PVC pipe can be used here with common spacings from 40 to 60 feet. Sprinklers are increasingly made from plastic instead of brass and are normally placed above the tree canopy.  
    

Another area of increased interest is flow meters, not only for the purpose of tracking water volume for government reports but for better management decisions. Today, flow meters can be equipped with transmitters so that real-time data flows back to the home computer.  
    

Soil moisture monitoring helps to evaluate when to start the taps flowing in the first place. Automated systems are preferred as water volumes and soil moisture are tracked hourly and statistics can be 
compared at precisely the same time every day and stored for future reference. Starting at $4,000, this equipment may not be affordable for every operation in which case manual readings can be very useful, but must be done at the same time, mid-morning, every day. However, it’s a sign of the times in terms of how seriously growers are investing in water management.  
    

Automated diesel systems --  similar to electric pumps with variable frequency drives -- are proving popular. As water demands increase, the pump will speed up or slow down. These systems will keep pressure constant, regardless of demand and can start and stop the unit based on time or demand. 
    

Every drop counts.