Investing in Variable Rate Irrigation and improved scheduling to increase pasture growth and save energy and water. Tasmania.

Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) was incorporated into a centre pivot that irrigated a 111ha area of pasture for dairy production at Cressy in Tasmania. When combined with improved irrigation scheduling, the VRI provided a range of benefits including water savings, power savings, and increased pasture consumption. It appears likely that investing in VRI was a very profitable option for this site. This centre pivot covers a large area with significant variation in soil type.  An investment in VRI may not be profitable for a smaller pivot with less variation in soil type.