This project aim was to achieve a more resilient and competitive cotton farming system through increasing the understanding and awareness of the benefits and disadvantages which may be associated with different row configurations, and the practices that help to optimise siphon irrigation systems. Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association (GVIA) co-ordinated part 2 of the Grower Led Research into Irrigation Efficiency; Optimised Furrow Irrigation Row Configuration Trial during the 2014-2015 season. The trial was established at two locations in the Gwydir Valley, Keytah and Auscott Watervale.

This part of the GVIA1302 project was designed to investigate water-use efficiency optimisation techniques of the siphon or furrow irrigation system which is the standard industry practice. The trial investigated the relative yield potential of different row configurations under optimal irrigation conditions. The information from the trials will enhance the understanding of the potential of each of these row configurations to produce under optimal water, which will be beneficial in times of limited water.

The objectives were to investigate water-use efficiency optimisation techniques of siphon irrigation under different row configurations. The row configurations assessed in the trials included the standard 40inch (1m), as well as areas of 30inch (75cm), 60inch (150cm) and 80inch (200cm). The project evaluated the trial in terms of yield and applied irrigation water relative to the standard 40inch row configuration.

Through the project the GVIA was able to collect data which increased the level of understanding of the benefits and possible disadvantages associated with different row configurations under siphon irrigation. The trial suggested that the yield reduction from a fully watered 60inch spacing would be around 20 percent, but would use between six and 18 percent less water. While the 80inch cotton would be expected to yield 35 to 37 percent less than the 40inch spacing, and use 15 to 22 percent less water. The results from the 30inch spacing are encouraging. They suggest that three percent less water would be used and that there may be possible yield advantages over 40inch.