Irrigation scheduling system – Swan Systems
Swan Systems collects data from multiple sensors, enabling efficient crop irrigation and nutrient application on farm.
Benefits
Swan Systems improves water and nutrient efficiency, with the potential to both decrease expenditure and increase productivity.
Swan can operate on 2 centre pivots irrigating pasture for grazing livestock. The system informs farm staff when and how much to irrigate to:
- limit the rate of evapotranspiration
- optimise growth
- save diesel costs required to operate the pivot.
The system can also provide irrigation recommendations for wine grape vine blocks to increase water efficiency and to maintain the optimal soil moisture for each stage of plant development.
How it works
Swan Systems technology integrates with existing farm sensors, such as weather stations, soil probes and flow meters. It analyses this data to create irrigation and fertigation recommendations for your farm.
Its unique algorithm calculates the vines’ water usage based on evapotranspiration and available water. Recommendations factor in the type of irrigation system you use and your water budget, and they are tailored to environmental conditions as well as the health of your crops.
The Swan Systems dashboard is available online via a computer or phone, which can be configured as needed.
Online Swan Systems dashboard
Installation and power
Software is installed by Swan Systems remotely or on farm.
Connectivity requirements
Third-party hardware capable of sharing API for data integration.
The dashboard requires a 3G, 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi connection.
Pricing model
Annual subscription.
Producer case study
Settlers Bend Farms is a 129-hectare vineyard based in Renmark, represented by Ian Macrae. He has over 30 years of experience in the viticulture industry and has been assisting the farm for over a decade. Ian implemented Swan Systems in 2021, driven by the need for a simple and comprehensive irrigation solution.
Swan Systems has been instrumental in improving water management at Settlers Bend Farms, leading to increased yields and a record crop in 2022. It is easy to operate, allowing complex data from multiple soil probes and weather stations to be utilised to full effect.
The system's algorithm and integrated data inputs streamline the farm's water usage in the vineyard. This is critical to the success of all viticulture properties, especially in difficult weather conditions, with heat waves and low rainfall.
The ability to quickly detect and resolve issues with irrigation valves has also led to better crop yields. Swan Systems has reduced the time vines are going without water on Settlers Bend Farms and has increased the overall efficiency on the farm.
The customer service of Swan Systems was praised as 'absolutely second to none' with training provided both online and in person. The integration of the system has been seamless, with problems quickly resolved. There have been no connectivity issues, but some minor issues with the connected data streams from soil probes, weather stations, and irrigation controllers.
Ian’s comment to other producers looking to implement Swan Systems is, 'for larger operations where water is as crucial as on this property, I would recommend it to anybody.' The system's integration of multiple data sources, its unique algorithm, and exceptional customer service make it an indispensable tool for managing water in a viticulture property.
Ian also believes that they still have other features to investigate and are looking forward to exploring the full potential of the system, including the fertilizer supplementation and automated irrigation.
For access to the live data from the farms, log in to the Swan Systems dashboard:
- username: pirsa.agtech@sa.gov.au
- password: Pirsa_2020
To switch between farms, select from drop-down menu in top-left corner.
Struan and Kybybolite AgTech field day demonstration
Contact vendor
John Pargeter – SA Business Manager
Email: johnp@swansystems.com.au
Phone: 0467 000 229
Tom Hatcher – Customer Success Officer
Email: tom.hatcher@swansystems.com
Phone: 0467 000 775