Certificate of Irrigation management is vital to the efficient reuse of water. Farms can do much with limited water if irrigation is managed to ensure efficiency, productivity and sustainability.
Certificate of Irrigation Management is an online professional development course designed to teach you how to manage the design and operation of large-scale irrigation systems.
In this irrigation course, you will learn how to devise ways to optimise water efficiency, schedule irrigation for large-scale operations, formulate operation irrigation controllers for appropriate tasks and manage the maintenance of irrigation systems.
You will also learn about the fertigation of plants through an irrigation system, evaluation of design, and design of an extensive irrigation system and drainage.
On completion of this course, you will have gained the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and design an extensive irrigation system.
Course Structure
Unit - Irrigation Management - Agricultural
Unit 1 – Water Management
- Humans & water
- Water & plant growth
- Minimising plant requirements
- Xeriscaping
- Waste water
- Types of water wastage
- Evaporation and seepage
- Runoff and overspray
- Recycling waste water
- Waste water treatment (reed-beds)
- Suitable plants
Unit 2 – Irrigation Scheduling
- Climate
- The hydrological cycle
- Direct fall onto the land surface
- Intercepted rainfall
- Water falling directly into waterbodies
- Infiltration
- Rainfall
- Evaporation
- Effective rainfall
- Temperature and wind
- Microclimates
- Water monitoring equipment
- Gypsum blocks
- Neutron probe metres
- Tensiometres
- Ceramic block sensors
- Heat sensor system
- Dielectric scanning device
- Applications
- Measuring water usage
- Soil characteristics
- Unique crop requirements
- Local evapotranspiration levels
- Measuring soil moisture
- Special applications
- Scheduling
- Regulated deficit irrigation
- Irrigation of vines
- Efficient orchard irrigation
Unit 3 – Drainage
- Drainage
- Surface drainage
- Subsurface drainage
- Types of drains
- Points to consider
- Rainfall
- Layout of drains
- Herringbone, grid, outlet,
- Distance between drainage pipes
- Depth of drains
- Laying the drain
- Improving permeability during construction
- Cultivation
- Adding soil ameliorants
- Chemical treatments
- Improving surface drainage after construction
- Sand slitting and aerating and subsoiling
- Contingencies to deal with flood
Unit 4 – Irrigation Controllers
- Irrigation controllers
- Controllers
- Automatic controllers
- Computerised tap controllers
- Manual controllers
- Battery powered solenoid valves
- Water volumes and duration
- Mechanical tap timer
- Electronic tap timer
- Residential controllers
- Rain dial controller
- Pumps and pressure systems
- Types of pumps
- Shallow well pumps
- Pumping mechanisms
- Centrifugal pumps
- When a centrifugal pump fails to operate
Unit 5 – Irrigation Maintenance
- Maintenance of watering systems
- System maintenance
- Maintenance procedures and scheduling
- Periodic inspections
- Maintaining your trickle irrigation
- Cleaning filters
- Flushing the system
- Use of chlorine
- Maintaining water quality
- Problems of water quality and their remedies
- Physical impurities
- Chemical impurities
- Temporary hardness
- Permanent hardness
- Alkalinity
- Corrosion
- Salinity
- Tastes and odours
- Biological impurities
- Algae
- Micro-organisms
- Bacteriological impurities
- Treatments and remedy
- Improvement of water quality from any source
Unit 6 – Fertigation
- What is fertigation
- Advantages of fertigation
- Disadvantages of fertigation
- Fertigation types
- Proportional application
- Quantitative application
- Continuous application
- Three stage application
- Fertiliser injectors
- Pump injectors
- Electric injection pumps
- Piston-activated pumps
- Diaphragm-activated pumps
- Pressure differential injectors
- Suction injectors
- Fertiliser applications
- Plant nursery fertilizer injection techniques
Unit 7 – Design Evaluation
- System design evaluation
- Design considerations
- Water availability
- Source and quality of water
- Regulations
- Site details
- Finances and labour requirements
- Surface/flood irrigation
- Furrow irrigation
- Border check system
- Hillside flooding
- Sprinkler irrigation
- Wind velocity and wetting pattern
- Trickle irrigation
- Microjet irrigation
- Do it yourself micro irrigation systems
- Time length of watering
- Automatic systems
- Water management in turf
Unit 8 – Irrigation Design
- Pre-planning information
- What is the soil like?
- Record the dimension and other measurements
- Consult the local council on relevant by-laws
- Study the environment of the locality
- Resources available to do the job
- Client or owner preferences and priorities
- Type of system
- Underground pipes
- Drainage
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
I enjoyed the relaxed and self-paced approach. It allowed me to have the work/life/study balance that was the best fit for me. The access to tutors for any questions was always prompt. The portal was basic but easy to navigate. overall, would recommend courses and enjoyed my time studying with AOC.
Maddison | Warrnambool, VIC | Certificate of Irrigation Management
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Enrol Now (Credit Card) or Enrol Now (Internet Banking/BPAY)
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Farmers
- Farm suppliers
- Farm services
- Irrigation specialists
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