Irrigation scheduling system – Swan Systems
Swan Systems collects data from multiple sensors, enabling efficient crop irrigation and nutrient application.
Benefits
The Swan technology produces, records, and deciphers data to help develop irrigation plans. It can be used to:
- schedule irrigation times and amounts for optimum water use
- monitor soil nutrient levels to maintain vine growth conditions
- recommend future irrigation needs in defined zones.
The system increases yield quality, while decreasing expenditure on resources.
How it works
Swan Systems technology integrates with existing farm sensors, such as weather stations, moisture probes, and flow meters. Its unique algorithm calculates the vines' water usage based on evapotranspiration and available water.
The system considers the crop and soil characteristics of each site, water budgets, and the irrigation system to provide accurate and current recommendations.
Swan Systems data is available online via computer dashboard and can be configured as needed. It displays a map-based overview of irrigation sites with simple summaries of plant health and alerts. Graphs are available for forecast soil moisture and budgeted water, compared with usage.
Online Swan Systems dashboard
Installation and power
Software is installed by Swan Systems remotely or on farm.
Connectivity requirements
Cloud based software allowing you to log in via internet from any device.
Pricing model
Annual subscription.
Producer case study
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.
See it in action
To view Swan Systems, contact the AgTech Extension Officer at:
- Kangaroo Island demonstration farms
- Loxton demonstration farm
- Nuriootpa demonstration farm
- Struan and Kybybolite demonstration farm.
For access to the live data from Nuriootpa demo farm, log in to the Swan Systems dashboard:
- username: pirsa.agtech@sa.gov.au
- password: Pirsa_2020
Struan and Kybybolite AgTech field day demonstration
Contact vendor
John Pargeter – Swan Systems
Email: johnp@swansystems.com.au
Phone: 0467 000 229
