In the Merbein district the irrigable area decreased by 100 ha, a 3% decrease from 3,145 ha in 1997 to 3,045 ha in 2015. The net decrease comprised 105 ha retired from irrigation and 5 ha of expansion.

There were approximately 298 irrigation properties in the Merbein irrigation district in 2015.

Property numbers declined by 32, a 10% decrease from 330 in 1997 to 298 in 2015. Properties with an irrigable area of less than 20 ha declined by 42, while the number over 20 ha increased by 10. Average property size (irrigable area) increased from 9 ha in 1997 to 10 ha in 2015.

Crop typesGrapevines remained the dominant crop type from 1997 to 2015 in the Merbein irrigation district. Plantings peaked around 1997, but continued to decline from 1997 to 2015.

Of the irrigated crops, field crops increased by the largest area, 50 ha; a 200% increase from 25 ha in 1997 to 75 ha in 2015.

The irrigable area in 2015 was 3,045 ha of which:• 56% (1,710 ha) was irrigated

permanent plantings;• 4% (135 ha) was irrigated seasonal

crops;

2015 Snapshot – Merbein District

At a glance

The Victorian Murray-Mallee Irrigation region comprises an irrigable area of 33,310 hectares. This includes 2047 properties in five pumped irrigation districts (Nyah, Robinvale, Red Cliffs, Mildura and Merbein) and in areas outside the pumped districts irrigated by private diverters.

The irrigable area increased by 84% from

1997-2015, with nut plantings the dominant

crop for the first time in 2015.

This fact sheet is a summary of information contained in the Mallee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) 2015 Irrigated Horticulture Crop Report. It is based on a time series of high-resolution orthophoto imagery (scale-accurate, digital aerial photography). Crop details are derived from grower input or interpretation of imagery and field surveys. The report is the continuation of a series of triennial crop reports first produced in 1997 along the Murray River from Nyah to the South Australian border.

Irrigated Horticulture in the Victorian Murray-Mallee

Grape vines. Credit: Mallee CMA.

• 35% (1,055 ha) was vacant or not irrigated for less than 10 years; and

• 5% (145 ha) was vacant or not irrigated for more than 10 years.

GrapevinesGrapevines in the Merbein irrigation district were predominantly grown for dried vine fruit production from 1997 to 2015, except in 2009 when wine grape plantings dominated temporarily. The area of grapevines decreased by 1,160 ha, a 43% decrease from 2,705 ha in 1997 to 1,545 ha in 2015.

In 2015, the 1,545 ha of grapevines comprised:

• 29% (450 ha) wine grape plantings;• 25% (380 ha) table grape plantings;• 46% (710 ha) dried grape plantings;

and• < 1% (5 ha) grapevines for other

purposes.

Irrigation methodsDrip irrigation was the dominant irrigation method in the Merbein district from 2009 to 2015. Furrow irrigation was the dominant method prior to 2009; from 1997 to 2006.

In 2015, the irrigable area of 3,045 ha comprised:• 29% (895 ha) drip irrigation;• 15% (440 ha) low level irrigation;• 6% (185 ha) overhead sprinklers;• 11% (325 ha) furrow irrigation; and• 39% (1,200 ha) not irrigated.

Salinity impact zonesMerbein irrigation district is in the lowest salinity impact zone, LIZ 1 and in the high impact zone, HIZ. In 2015, the irrigable area of 3,045 ha comprised 33% in LIZ 1 and 67% in the HIZ.

The HIZ irrigable area decreased by 4% predominantly due to irrigation areas retired for urban development.

More informationFurther information and the full Mallee CMA 2015 Irrigated Horticulture Crop Report can be obtained from the Mallee

CMA or downloaded from the website at: www.malleecma.vic.gov.au

AcknowledgementThis project is supported by the Mallee CMA through funding from the Victorian Government.

Merbein irrigation district - crop types from 1997 to 2015.27 Vacant S: not irrigated but previously an irrigated seasonal crop. Vacant P: not irrigated but previously an irrigated permanent planting. Vacant >10: not irrigated for over ten years but previously an irrigated area.

Published August 2016

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Printed on 80% recycled Australian paper, made from pre- and post-consumer waste.

Drip irrigated vines. Credit: Mallee CMA.