Thermal Imagery to Improve Irrigation Efficiency and Productivity
Recent water shortages coupled with increasing competition for this precious resource highlight the need for continued improvement in efficiency and productivity in irrigation-based production enterprises.
Current best practice is based upon soil moisture monitoring, however, large variations in soil moisture between test sites can lead to uncertainty. A further barrier to this approach is the high cost of financial and labour resources.
For several decades, we have understood that canopy temperature is related to plant water stress and, therefore, represents a promising tool for irrigation scheduling. However, the major barrier to implementation of this practice has been the lack of efficient and accurate measurement techniques.
Recent advancements in thermal imagery - imagery produced by sensing and recording the thermal energy emitted or reflected from the objects which are imaged - have the potential overcome these problems. Approaches are currently in their infancy, with further field testing and development required.
A collaborative project between the University of Melbourne Dookie Campus and the Department of Primary Industries Tatura has recently commenced. As part of this project Ashley Wheaton has been funded by Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation to undertake a PhD on the application of this technology to wine grape irrigation management.
Researchers are utilizing a 6 metre long tethered blimp, with optical and thermal camera's attached, to collect images from up to 90 metres above the ground in order to monitor variation in plant water stress across vineyard and orchard blocks, and irrigated dairy paddocks.
Research commenced during the 2007/2008 growing season.
The Project Team includes:
Mr Ashley Wheaton, Dookie Campus
Dr Nicola Cooley , Dookie Campus
Dr Ian Goodwin, DPI, Tatura
Associate Professor Greg Dunn, Dookie Campus
Dr Lexie McClymont, DPI Tatura
Further information can be obtained by contacting Ashley Wheaton on awheaton@unimelb.edu.au or phone (03) 5833 9200.