Irrigation upgrade automates NT research station

An irrigation upgrade commissioned for the Horticulture Block of the Katherine Research Station helps equip, automate and extend the facility’s focus on developing productive and sustainable farming systems for the region.

The new system — which will be used in the Block’s trials, research and support for farming and community groups, including Indigenous groups — was supplied, installed and commissioned for the Northern Territory Government by the Darwin branch of national irrigation specialists Water Dynamics.

“The Horticulture block conducts vital research, including trials for high-value crops such as mangoes, avocados and agave, while also providing extension services in support of local farmers and industry. The station also contributes to new technologies and sustainable farming practices, including research on the use of remote-sensing technology to improve crop production and reduce input costs such as fertilisers and fuel,” said Water Dynamics’ Darwin Business Manager, Bianca Dawson.

Mangoes, one of the high-value crops researched and improved by the station. Credit: Nyirrunggulung, Katherine

The irrigation upgrade — commissioned recently and in service this year — incorporates:

• A central Wi-Fi-enabled Hunter Control Centre (HCC) smart irrigation controller of a type engineered for large commercial and public-sector projects. It manages irrigation programs and communicates wirelessly via remote Wireless Valve Link (WVL) outputs in turn connected to WVL-100 valve controllers, each of which operates a single DC latching solenoid, removing the need for hard-wired connections. Removal of hard-wired connections provides flexibility and lowers installation cost by removing the need for trenching and the associated potential for damage from weather or digging, while allowing for easier system expansion, relocation and troubleshooting. The WVL controller — contained in a plastic cabinet within the pump shelter, with all components protected from the elements — links to 16 WVL station outputs featuring new valve manifolds for flexible dispersed control.
   
• A Grundfos MPC-E3 15-4 automated pump system that uses multiple pumps to boost water pressure while maintaining a constant output pressure by adjusting pump speed and activating pumps as needed. The intelligent system, which adapts to demand and improves energy efficiency, connects to both the new tank onsite as well as the old tank, which can be used as a back-up if required.
   
• Stainless steel 310-litre capacity Water Dynamics fertigation mixing tank, which dissolves and mixes fertilisers with water for delivery to crops in optimum combinations, quantities and frequencies for growth and output. Agitation is provided by a paddle mixer powered by a three-phase outlet, part of the electrical infrastructure provided by Water Dynamics. For further reliability and durability in the tropical conditions, a 25 mm stainless steel outlet is used with ball valve at the cone base.
   
• Rivulus F3240 130 mm angle model automatic screen filter which automatically flushes when the screen becomes dirty, enabling continuous flow and protecting downstream equipment. The angle industrial water filter’s self-cleaning process removes suspended solids from a liquid without interrupting the flow.
   
• A new lateral irrigation installation for pomegranate plantings, 25 sprinklers a row at 3 m spacings, and for jackfruit plantings, involving 12 sprinklers at 6 m spacings.
   

In addition to providing infrastructure for the new upgrade and integration of technologies — including electrical, valving, piping, support structures and permits required — the project also includes ongoing training to optimise its use and performance in accordance with client needs.

“This project is a carefully considered and evolved initiative, which draws together, in one cohesive package, all the elements required for immediate and long-term success,” Dawson said.

The Katherine Research Station Partners, working with Water Dynamics, said the team was great to work with. “They listened to our needs and understood the requirements for the upgrade. They got on with the job and took great pride in ensuring a high level of service and delivery of a high-quality integrated system.”

Top image: The control centre of the new irrigation system at the Horticulture Block, with the Hunter Controller Centre (HCC).