This project seeks to demonstrate the practical benefits of integrating high-resolution canopy imagery into commercial irrigation scheduling tools while fostering greater connection between irrigation researchers, commercial advisory services and the SA community of horticultural irrigators. Activities include the demonstration of canopy imagery systems at commercial and demonstration almond orchards. These systems collect high-resolution data on tree shape and canopy growth for canopies of differing ages and planting densities. Canopy growth data is then used to improve estimates of crop coefficients and inform real-time estimation of orchard water use.

Together with SWAN Systems and in combination with other site-specific field measures, irrigation practices are benchmarked against modelled water requirements to calculate potential savings or opportunities for periods of deficit.

Project knowledge is shared through industry communication forums (e.g. industry newsletters and webinar-based field walks through the Almond Board of Australia) and will target irrigators, industry development officers and other industry stakeholders.