Performance Assessment

Each type of irrigation system functions differently, so different methods of assessment are needed. Fortunately, many performance indicators are common, so although irrigation systems need to be measured in different ways, the performance of irrigation systems is easily comparable.

An irrigation performance assessment focuses on a set of key checks

• Is the system applying the expected depth of water?
• Is it applying the water evenly (uniformly)?
• Is it applying the water at a rate that the soil can accept?
• Is the energy use reasonable?
• What is causing any non-performance?

Performance Assessment Code of Practice 2023

Irrigation Technical Glossary 2015

Explanation of the Code of Practice:

PART A Introduces the process and requirements to carry out operational checks, and annual and full performance assessments. It also outlines how to report your findings.

PART B Provides initial checklists for compliance and water supply.

Performance COP Parts A and B

PARTS C – H

Parts C – H are system specific processes for measuring irrigation performance.

The Code recognises three different levels of irrigation system performance assessment. In increasing level of complexity, system performance assessment includes –

1. Operational checks
2. System calibration (annual performance assessment)
3. In-field performance assessment (full performance assessment)

Performance Assessment Code of Practice Part C – Micro-Irrigation

Performance Assessment Code of Practice Part D – Solid Set

Performance Assessment Code of Practice Part E – Sprayline

Performance Assessment Code of Practice Part F – Travelling Irrigator

Performance Assessment Code of Practice Part G – Linear

Performance Assessment Code of Practice Part H – Centre Pivot

PART I

Part I contains additional assessments for energy efficiency and seasonal irrigation efficiency

Performance Assessment Code of Practice Part I

Performance assessment TRAINING

IrrigationNZ delivers the New Zealand Certificate in Irrigation System Performance Assessment. This is underpinned by the Performance Assessment Code of Practice.

Irrigation Performance Assessment Qualifications and Training

Register of qualified irrigation system performance assessors