Crop production · 4 November 2026 · 1 min read · AgriLink team
Build an irrigation water budget
List reservoirs, boreholes, pumps and permits.
Start with the water you can use
List reservoirs, boreholes, pumps and permits. Distinguish a legal abstraction limit from water physically available. A full dam at planting does not guarantee enough supply for the whole season.
Compare demand with capacity
Estimate crop demand with a qualified advisor, account for rainfall and system losses, and check pump capacity and operating hours. Meter readings help distinguish a planning assumption from water actually applied.
Review readings, energy and crop condition
Compare weekly meter readings with the plan and investigate unusual changes before increasing irrigation. Pump failures, leaks and soil moisture differences can all explain a shortfall. Keep electricity and fuel costs with the irrigation work.