Irrigation in Australia

Irrigation is a widespread practice required in many areas of Australia, the driest inhabited continent, to supplement low rainfall with water from other sources to assist in growing crops and pasture.^[1] Overuse or poor management of irrigation is held responsible by some for environmental problems such as soil salinity and loss of habitat for native flora and fauna.^[2]

Irrigation differs from dryland farming (farming relying on rainfall) in Australia in its level of intensity and production. It is a far more economically productive land use than dryland farming.^[3] Common crops produced using irrigation include rice, cotton, canola, sugar, various fruits, and other tree crops, and pasture, hay, and grain for beef and dairy production. Surface irrigation is Australia's most common irrigation method, with drip and center pivots also utilised. All rights to use and control water are vested in the state, which issues conditional entitlements for water use.

The first large-scale irrigation schemes in Australia were introduced during the 1880s, partially in response to drought. In 1915, the River Murray Waters Agreement was signed, setting out basic conditions for the river's water use which remain in force today. Towards the end of the 20th century, environmental problems in the basin became serious as diversions for irrigation approached or exceeded the capacity of natural flows. Following negotiations beginning in 1985, the Murray–Darling Basin Agreement was signed in 1987. The more comprehensive National Water Initiative was adopted in 2004.