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History of Irrigation

Global History of Irrigation

Water is the most important input required for plant growth for agriculture production. Irrigation can be defined as replenishment of soil water storage in plant root zone through methods other than natural precipitation. Irrigation is seen to have found its roots in the history of mankind since earliest beginning. It helps reduce the uncertainties, particularly the climatic uncertainties in agriculture practices.

 Archaeological investigation has identified evidence of irrigation where the natural rainfall was insufficient to support crops. Perennial irrigation was practised in the Mesopotamian plain by coaxing water through a matrix of small channels formed in the field.. Ancient Egyptians practiced Basin irrigation using the flooding of the Nile to inundate land plots which had been surrounded by dykes.. The Ancient Nubians developed a form of irrigation by using a waterwheel-like device called a sakia.. In sub-Saharan Africa irrigation reached the Niger River region cultures and civilizations by the first or second millennium BCE and was based on wet season flooding and water harvesting. 

  •  The Qanats, developed in ancient Persiain about 800 BCE, are among the oldest known irrigation methods still in use today. 
  •  The irrigation works of ancient Sri Lanka, the earliest dating from about 300 BCE, in the reign of King Pandukabhaya and under continuous development for the next thousand years, were one of the most complex irrigation systems of the ancient world. 
  •  In the Szechwan region belonging to the State of Qin of ancient China, the Dujiangyan Irrigation System was built in 256 BCE to irrigate an enormous area of farmland that today still supplies water.
  •  The floodplain of the Santa Cruz River was extensively farmed during the Early Agricultural period, circa 1200 BC to AD 150.
  • Terrace irrigation is evidenced in pre-Columbian America, early Syria, India and China.

History, it is said is the greatest teacher of the mankind. Study of the history of irrigation, development of irrigation technology, sustainability of the old irrigation systems provides an insight into the factors that have sustained the outcomes over the generations.

"It is not the quantity of water applied to a crop, it is the quantity of intelligence applied which determines the result - there is more due to intelligence than water in every case"
Alfred Deakin (2nd Prime Minister of Australia) in 1890 quoted during a speech to a conference of 'Irrigationists’

Irrigation Australia at a glance

Irrigation Australia has been servicing the irrigation industry as the peak body since 1983 and we continue to grow stronger and seek out more opportunities with the goal of increasing the value and benefits for our members and the entire industry.

The Oldest Still-In-Use Hydraulic Work in the World 

 

The Filippeios Krini (Philip’s Fountain) is a 2,300-year-old fountain that was commissioned by King Philip II of Macedonia. It has miraculous survived in working order to the present day, making it the oldest still-in-use hydraulic work in the world.

Click HERE to read more about the Filippeios Krini (Philip’s Fountain

Watch a video on Irrigation in Ancient Mesopotamia by clicking HERE

Watch a video on  Making History - Irrigation HERE

 

Conference & Events

Irrigation Australia hosts a biennial conference and exhibition which offers seminars on essential irrigation topics with key speakers from government, researchers, agriculture, and horticulture, as well as environmental and landscape industries. A major industry trade show is also held in conjunction with the conference which provides a great opportunity for our industry colleagues to meet and learn more about new industry products, services and technologies available.

Irrigation Australia also hosts regional events from time to time including the Waterwise Expo held every two years in Perth.

Upcoming Events

Training and Certification

We are committed to leading the irrigation industry into the future by providing and facilitating training and certification programs that improve industry standards and provide practical solutions for the efficient use of water in irrigation.

Development of the new trade of Irrigation Technician delivered through the Certificate III in Irrigation Technology (ACH32419) and eleven certification programs are examples of our achievements.

To learn more about irrigation training qualifications, certifications and short courses visit Centre of Irrigation Excellence

Waterwise Programs

The Waterwise programs are self-study endorsement programs, facilitated and administered by Irrigation Australia Ltd. These Waterwise programs are designed to optimise water-use efficiency and reduce water use in garden irrigation systems. Underpinning the Programs are best practice standards for irrigation system specifications, installation and design.

Waterwise endorsed members are fully trained in water efficient practices and can design, install, repair and maintain your irrigation system.

Waterwise Programs

Publications

Irrigation Australia produces a number of publications including our flagship – Irrigation Australia Journal, the leading quarterly industry publication covering irrigation issues in Australia and our monthly eNewsletter IrriNews. In WA we produce a state magazine called The Overflow. In 2018 we introduced the Irrigation Directory for organisations and certified irrigation professionals in Australia which is published annually. We encourage all industry stakeholders to join Irrigation Australia and help us to ensure that we have a strong and successful irrigation industry.

Publications