There are 2 main ecological apprehensions around irrigation – the accessibility and availability of water and the consequences of obtaining it from natural resources, and nitrate discharge correlated with heightened livestock totals or crop production on irrigated acreage. Irrigation approaches have progressed significantly from wild flooding in Central Otago to border dyke system. Scientific research has concluded that nitrate leaching is far less of an issue from spray irrigation methods than from flood irrigation methods. In light of this, we still have a lot of learnings to be had about irrigation to ensure that we not only continue to protect bodies of water from desolation but also continue to reduce water run off in into streams and lakes.
Join us to hear from Independent freshwater policy and governance specialist, Elizabeth Soal to hear her perspective on how irrigation in New Zealand is changing, how perspectives on irrigation are changing and how it is impacting our environment. We will also hear how what she believes success of irrigation in farming systems in Canterbury might look like and the innovations on the horizon to further improve the impact on the environment from irrigation.
Come prepared with your questions, gain an understanding of how innovation in New Zealand will be supported in future and be inspired to develop (or improve) your own entry into the food, fibre and agritech Supernode Challenge.