Data for Irrigation Modelling

Hector M Malano

Outline

• Modelling: what processes?

• What data gaps are there?

• Frequency of collection

• Level of disaggregation

Processes(1)?

• Water allocation (system & catchment level)– Assessment of allocation policy changes, e.g. env flows,

water trading, economic impact, infrastructure planning, etc.

– Data requirement: • Seasonal disaggregated crop mix (crop types) at demand centre

level is a critical input for allocation modelling • Frequency: Seasonal or more frequent depending on cropping

pattern (NSW more variable than Victoria)

• Distributed evapotranspiration and soil moisture: Water balance modelling at farm and area levels (needs multitemporal analysis)

Processes (2) ?

• Water application – HC is a critical parameter

for model parameterisation and real-time control logic

Supply

Inflow andAdvance

Point Outflow

First Basin

Second Basin

Inflow andAdvance

Supply

Inflow andAdvance

Point Outflow

First Basin

Second Basin

Inflow andAdvance

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Processes (3)

• Soil salinity: Correlation of airborne data with soil moisture content and salinity point measurement (0-0.5 m) for use in salinity mapping (Data available for Coleambally).

• Correlation of soil permeability with recharge discharge areas to predict impacts of irrigation and drainage options.

• Channel Seepage: Identification of seepage zones. Correlate shallow soil saturation measurements (10-20 m) with EM surveys.