(beta version)
“A decision support system for Queensland peanut farmers to assist in irrigation scheduling"
Irrigated peanuts have become the highest value rotational legume crop in high rainfall and irrigated production regions of Queensland. The yield potential of peanuts in high input irrigated systems is more than 8 t/ha with some fields returning commercial yields in the 6-7.5 t/ha range. However invariably, many growers are only realizing 4-5 t/ha. Lack of timely and adequate irrigation is a major contributor to this huge yield gap. Irrigating the crop at the right time with the right amount of water, together with the adoption of other important best management practices can help to consistently achieve high yields in the vicinity of 75% of potential. The management of irrigation water is critical to target high yields, better water use efficiency and good farm profits. All peanut production areas can benefit from better decision-making about water management.
To assist with the irrigation scheduling of peanuts, DPI&F are currently trialing a new decision support system called ’AQUAMAN’. To initiate the decision support system for a paddock(s), the user needs to enter a range of information, including:
|
Required once (from the menu) |
Required in-season (actual values) |
|
Nearest climatic station |
Daily rainfall (mm) |
|
Soil type |
Irrigation (mm) |
|
Sowing date |
Air temperature (oC)* |
|
Starting soil water |
Soil temperature (oC)* |
|
Peanut cultivar |
|
*The parameters marked are optional
The decision support system will generate a report on request (click here to see a sample report) and store it in the user's account, which can then be viewed at any time. The report provides updated information on the water balance of the crop and will indicate likely irrigation requirements. Click here to learn more about how to use the AQUAMAN program.
This decision support system is currently provided at no cost to the grower/consultant. Interested peanut growers/consultants can register as AQUAMAN users by emailing/phoning Yash Chauhan (07-4160 0759, yash.chauhan@dpi.qld.gov.au) or RCN Rachaputi (07-4160 0737, rao.rachaputi@dpi.qld.gov.au).
Important: Before logging into your account, make sure pop-up blocker is off. For this, go to tools, then pop-up blocker and turn it off, else press 'Ctrl' key while clicking the 'Login' button. AQUAMAN works well with the Internet Explorer Version 6.
We acknowledge the following organisations for their funding support during the development of this decision support system:
Every effort has been made by DPI&F to use reliable sources and research methods to produce the technical information contained in the irrigation scheduling and aflatoxin risk models. The models are however experimental in nature and DPI&F can give no guarantee that relying on the information will necessarily result in increased pod yields and lowered on-farm aflatoxin levels. This information is provided on the understanding that reliance on any information provided gives rise to no cause of action against the State of Queensland, its officers, employees or agents under the common law tort of negligence for any loss by any person acting or refraining from action on reliance upon any of the information.
