Data for Irrigation Modelling Hector M Malano
Outline Modelling: what processes? What data gaps are there? Frequency of collection Level of disaggregation
Processes(1)? Water allocation (system & catchment level) –Assessment of allocation policy changes, e.g. env flows, water trading, economic impact, infrastructure planning, etc. –Data requirement: Seasonal disaggregated crop mix (crop types) at demand centre level is a critical input for allocation modelling Frequency: Seasonal or more frequent depending on cropping pattern (NSW more variable than Victoria) Distributed evapotranspiration and soil moisture: Water balance modelling at farm and area levels (needs multitemporal analysis)
Processes (2) ? Water application –HC is a critical parameter for model parameterisation and real-time control logic
Processes (3) Soil salinity: Correlation of airborne data with soil moisture content and salinity point measurement (0-0.5 m) for use in salinity mapping (Data available for Coleambally). Correlation of soil permeability with recharge discharge areas to predict impacts of irrigation and drainage options. Channel Seepage: Identification of seepage zones. Correlate shallow soil saturation measurements (10-20 m) with EM surveys.