Growsmart New Zealand Case Sudy

NEW ZEALAND GROWER SAVES WATER WITH ACCUFLOW VRI

Johnny Fraser considers water management one of the keys to profitably growing multiple crops on his New Zealand farm. Thanks to AccuFlow VRI, a new precision irrigation product from Lindsay, Fraser plants, grows and harvests his crops when and where he wants in his field.

AccuFlow VRI (variable rate irrigation) provides individual sprinkler or zone control. With easy-to-use mapping software, AccuFlow VRI allows growers like Fraser to create custom irrigation zones that can be defined by soil type, topography, crop type or field obstacles. The variable rate program is then loaded into the AccuFlow VRI controller that directs individual sprinklers through wireless nodes.

Fraser makes maximum use of AccuFlow VRI to raise irrigated potatoes, peas, sweet corn, silage corn, wheat and barley – all in the same field. His Zimmatic MAXfield Custom corner system includes eight towers plus the corner arm and irrigates the 227-acre (92-ha) field, which is split into five square blocks for a multitude of crops.

“Basically, I am using a circle to water square blocks and that’s where AccuFlow VRI comes into play. I now have the flexibility to do whatever I like under that pivot as far as changing crops. I can adjust any time to suit my cropping needs,” Fraser says.

Fraser’s farm is located near Otane, on New Zealand’s north island. Fraser says the climate in his area is similar to California’s so he is able to raise multiple crops throughout the year. Many of his crops, including the peas, potatoes and sweet corn, are processed for food.

“We have heavy soils so managing the water is critical,” he says. “AccuFlow VRI works perfectly for my farming operation.”

Fraser’s cropping patterns vary, but he describes a typical scenario in which his pea crop is followed by sweet corn and his potato crop is followed by wheat or a different crop. All of the crops are planted and harvested at different times of the year. Brown areas (road) never get watered.

Fraser estimates AccuFlow VRI has resulted in one-third less water usage. “It’s basically saving me 30 percent on costs since I don’t have to pump as much water.” While groundwater, the source for his irrigation, is still plentiful in his area, Fraser predicts managing and using water wisely will become more and more critical in the future.

“As a grower, I believe the single biggest thing you can do to increase yield is to manage your water, just like you manage your fertilizer, chemical and other crop inputs,” Fraser says. He currently does not chemigate or fertigate but is considering it since AccuFlow VRI gives him the flexibility to do so in the future.
“It’s very simple to run. With AccuFlow VRI, I have unlimited crop and agronomic options. I can plant and harvest when and where I want.” As a leader and pioneer in irrigation technology, Zimmatic is uniquely positioned to provide a powerful yet simple solution to your water management needs. To learn more about AccuFlow VRI, contact Craig Chandler on 02 6885 5220.

Aerial image of Fraser’s 227-acre (92-ha) field where he raises irrigated potatoes, peas, sweet corn, silage corn, wheat, barley and vegetable crops. Irrigation water is applied according to soil type, topography, crop type
or field obstacles.

Benefits of Accuflow VRI

Individual sprinkler or zone control
Infinite number of irrigation zones
Saves up to 30 percent on water costs
Uses less energy
Virtually unlimited crop and agronomic options
Compatible with most center pivot models
Simple map-based software provides complete control
Key water management tool used on Johnny Fraser’s 2,100-acre (850-ha) diversified New Zealand farm
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