Dr Tamara Jackson, a recent PhD graduate of CRC, found that converting from gravity feed surface irrigation to pressurised systems resulted in water savings of between 10 and 66 per cent—but the conversion could also lift energy consumption by up to 163 per cent.

“Where groundwater is used for irrigation, converting to pressurised micro-irrigation systems can save water and decrease energy use, as less water needs to be pumped,” said Dr Jackson.

“We found energy consumption dropped by up to 44 per cent in regions that use ground water for irrigation.”

“However, when surface water is used, pressurised systems increase energy consumption and carbon emissions substantially, so their use should be carefully considered in these areas.”

Ian Atkinson, CEO of the Irrigation Futures CRC, said that estimating the impact of future energy costs, including the likely cost of carbon, is critical to any on-farm irrigation investment decision.

“It’s not just about water savings,” Mr Atkinson said.

“Many of our inland irrigation regions use so-called inefficient irrigation methods like furrow irrigation.

"This study shows these systems still have a place in a world concerned with climate change and feeding millions more people each year.”

The study compared surface irrigation at Colleambally, NSW, with groundwater usage in south-eastern South Australia.