potato producers Branston Ltd, and following installation of Dacom probes in
the four fields in May 2014, Soil Moisture Deficits (SMD) have been monitored throughout the growing season to determine relative dryness within the
soil profile and enable the growers to more accurately manage irrigation water
applications. Early indications are that the Dacom probes have provided a
more reliable guide of actual SMDs and enabled growers to make more
informed decisions on actual SMDs rather than relying upon guideline figures
and subjective visual assessment of soil dryness. A calculation of the financial
value of the harvested crops will be completed in order to provide baseline
data to assess the cost effectiveness of the different SMD monitoring techniques employed.
(4) An Area Water Level Management scheme for the East and West Waste
area of the Somerset Levels and Moors developed in 2014. It assesses the
current standards of water level management and watercourse conditions, and
considers existing and future pressures from drought, as well as development
and agriculture. A local contractor was employed (via the local Drainage
Board) to carry out water level management works in the study area to reduce
water loss and improve drought resilience.
Fig. 5.3 RSPB site preparation for new sluice installation, West Sedgemoor, Somerset UK
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A.L. Browne et al.
the four fields in May 2014, Soil Moisture Deficits (SMD) have been monitored throughout the growing season to determine relative dryness within the
soil profile and enable the growers to more accurately manage irrigation water
applications. Early indications are that the Dacom probes have provided a
more reliable guide of actual SMDs and enabled growers to make more
informed decisions on actual SMDs rather than relying upon guideline figures
and subjective visual assessment of soil dryness. A calculation of the financial
value of the harvested crops will be completed in order to provide baseline
data to assess the cost effectiveness of the different SMD monitoring techniques employed.
(4) An Area Water Level Management scheme for the East and West Waste
area of the Somerset Levels and Moors developed in 2014. It assesses the
current standards of water level management and watercourse conditions, and
considers existing and future pressures from drought, as well as development
and agriculture. A local contractor was employed (via the local Drainage
Board) to carry out water level management works in the study area to reduce
water loss and improve drought resilience.
Fig. 5.3 RSPB site preparation for new sluice installation, West Sedgemoor, Somerset UK
94
A.L. Browne et al.