Water saving simulation model

Abstract

IRRIGATION WATER On the positive side of the balance sheet, however, the Water Research Commission (WRC) are offering irrigation farmers a wonderful and very valuable water saving simulation model at a give-away-price. For a mere R500 you can install a sophisticated computer model which has the potential to bring about substantial savings in the amount of water required to produce any given crop. Although the model is sophisticated it is, nevertheless, user friendly. It has been named SWB (Soil Water Balance) and was developed by the University of Pretoria with WRC funding. What is the optimum amount of water required to produce a crop? This is a question that most irrigation farmers grapple with on a daily basis. Too little water means crop losses. Too much water is not only more costly but it also pulls down yields. Efficient use of water is a tricky balancing act. It is like walking on a tightrope – it is so easy to fall off on either side of the wire.

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