Drip irrigation has long been a trusted sugarcane irrigation method, with the obvious advantages being reduced resource use and higher yields. However, sugarcane farmers in KwaZulu-Natal have emphasised that the greatest benefits extend beyond the traditional goal of growing more with less.

Lower electricity use and reduced labour requirements have emerged as key benefits following discussions with these farmers, says precision irrigation equipment manufacturer Netafim.

Wilrik Scheepers from 4 × 4 Boerdery near Pongola says drip irrigation has an important place in the management of the farm’s various sugarcane production units.

“A major benefit is the feasibility of incorporating solar power owing to lower energy requirements. It is, therefore, not only more water-efficient but also more energy efficient.”

As Henco Grobler of Senekal Boerdery near Mkuze puts it: “Drip irrigation is a valuable tool for us to ensure efficient and profitable sugarcane production on a large scale. We will continue to expand the percentage of our sugarcane fields under drip irrigation. This is largely because it will result in significant electricity savings.”

Netafim Southern and East Africa agronomist Richardt Scholtz explains that drip irrigation can irrigate a larger area with the same amount of water, compared with other irrigation methods.

“This efficient water use means that less water must be moved, decreasing pumping requirements, which translates to lower electricity consumption.”

Do the Math

Wilhelm Harris from Vriendschap Boerdery near Heatonville says farming is all about doing the math.

“I must do the necessary calculations and decide which irrigation method would be the best fit for every field planted. System costs, production potential, resource availability and many other factors must be considered to determine which investment will allow us to not only unlock the highest potential from the crop but also achieve optimal return on investment. It comes down to knowing your crop, your soil and the tools available.”

Scheepers reaffirms the value of considering the soil type, slope and other characteristics of a given sugarcane field and then selecting an irrigation method that will contribute to the best possible production results for that field.

“Being able to select the optimal system gives us control in terms of crop management, risk management and more.

“With drip irrigation we can adapt scheduling to reduce losses when loadshedding or water shortages come knocking. The fact that I can also apply fertiliser and other agents with extreme precision further places a lot of control in my hands.”

When farmers face water, electricity, climate or mechanical challenges, their most important priority is to ensure that the sugarcane is taken care of and to protect the final yield, adds Scholtz.

“Remember, extreme stress conditions will influence quality and yields. When having to catch up on irrigation to recover from one of these challenges, drip irrigation allows the farmer to cover a larger area in a short time to ensure the biggest possible portion of cane gets the water it needs.”

Reduced Labour

Multi Direct Investments’ Charl du Plessis highlights the massive benefit drip irrigation offers in terms of reduced labour requirements and ease of management.

“I can control many field activities from my phone, which is very valuable. Further, not having to send my team out to move sprinklers, for example, makes a massive impact.”

He reiterates the focus on ensuring cost-performance balance through informed decision-making.

“I believe that knowing your soil and all impactful conditions in a field is key to success. This is not only important during irrigation selection and system design, but it is also crucial during day-to-day irrigation management.”

Scholtz says drip irrigation gives farmers full control of water and nutrient delivery, allowing them to use the resources at their disposal more efficiently to ensure continued long-term sustainability, even without expansion prospects.

With drip irrigation as a tool, sugarcane farmers can overcome challenges and grow more sugarcane with fewer input costs and, thereby, improve the sustainability of the industry.