In this project the performance of 40 centre pivot and lateral move overhead irrigation systems will be continuously monitored throughout the 2014-15 cropping year to ascertain the performance of the systems and collect data to establish the water use productivity and energy use of these systems within the Queensland Murray Darling Basin. The Gross Production Water Use Index and Irrigation Water Use Index for a range of crops (cotton, winter cereals, summer grains, annual forages) will be determined, along with the establishment of energy benchmarks. Participating irrigators will be provided with recommendations on how to improve system performance where necessary.

The results for the 2014-15 year will complete a five year longitudinal study which provides benchmarks on the performance of these systems across a range of season types and crops. This information can be used by irrigators to assess the cost:benefit of investing in overhead irrigation systems.