IRRIGATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18513, 25 March 1922, Page 14

IRRIGATION

THE AGRICULTURAL ASPECT. EXPERIMENTAL AREA ESTABLISHED. A Daily Times reporter yesterday had a short interview with Mr R. B. Tennent, of the Agricultural Department, on the subject of irrigation, with special reference to the application of water to the land for agricultural purposes. Mr Tennent pointed out that, although an abundance of water was now available for irrigation purposes over a considerable area of Central Otago, it should not be thought that the conversion of present dry areas into fertile farms could be effected unless a careful study was made of the best methods of watei application and due consideration given to the most cfficiqpit and economical means of growing irrigated crops. “There are,’’ said Mr Tennent, many factors to be taken into consideration before an irrigation project can be satisfactorily initiated, for it must be recognised at the outset that irrigation is a manysided subject. The heavy calls which it makes on scanty water supplies and the close relation which is bears to other uses of water call for wise legislation, efficient control of the quantity, protection of water rights, and an equitable distribution of supplies. These comprise the legal and administrative features of irrigation. Again, large quantities of water have to be stored in the hills, pumped from rivers- diverted from rushing mountain streams, conveyed around hills and across valleys and finally delivered to the farmers. The accomplishment of so great a task calls tor high a,bihty and broad experience on the part of the engineers in designing and constructing the necessary works, ft In this respect the dominion is specially fortunate in the possession of engineers who are well versed in irrigational engineering. The agricultural side of irrigation, however, exceeds all others in importance, in that it deals with the production of crops. All other phases of irrigation are but a means towards this end. The main purpose is to transform dry places into farms and orchards where settlers of the type that are required may establish homes. Lastly, there are such subsidiary features of the subject as proper organisation and instruction, co-opera-tion. good management, and profitable returns. These may all be grouped under the economic side of irrigation. “The Government is fully alive to the value of demonstrating what can be accomplished by applying proper methods to irrigation.” continued Mr T ennent, “and accordingly it has initiated a, series of experiments in what is now’- known as the Galloway Experimental Area. On this experimental farm an endeavour will be made to demonstrate the various methods by applying water to the land in the most economical and efficient manner. Crops specially suited to Cent Ail Otago and to irrigation will be grown for the guidance and information of the farmer, and the hundred-and-one problems arising in connection with irrigation matters will be carefully investigated with a view to ascertaining how such difficulties may best be overcome. Although the area is only in its initial stage, already a considerable amount of valuable data has been collected in regard to the flow of varying quantities of water over different grades and types of land, and portion of the farm is ucAv laid out in what is known as the ‘Border System.’ by means of which the more or less flat areas can be expeditiously and completely irrigated. ‘‘A great future lies before Centra! Otago if irrigation is steadily developed along proper lines. Many serious and complex problems, however, require solution, and these must b> met with careful thought and resolute determination. Irrigation is the highest art in agricultural science, and unless this art is carefully studied much loss and damage will result from a misapplication of the water and the injudicious cultivation of crops. The experience of neighbouring settlers must be taken into consideration, and all available information secured on the subject before success can be assured. To the observant and diligent settler success will lead to success, and bv the rational application of water he will convert the latent wealth of the soil into actual cash and so be amply rewarded for his labour.”