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Drip Irrigation

    Irrigating sugar cane in Hawaii presents several problems not found in irrigation of other crops elsewhere in the world. The Hawaiian crop is grown for 24 months, producing a vast quantity of cane per acre, limiting physical access into fields. Hawaii soils are porous, which results in high "percolation" losses and reduced irrigation efficiencies through furrow systems. Traditional irrigation systems do not adapt to Hawaiian terrain, which generally is irregular and steep.

    In view of this, a "flat culture" program was established at HC&S, with 4,000 acres converted to sprinkler irrigation between the end of 1972 and 1974. In 1974, the plantation discontinued sprinkler conversions in favor of the drip irrigation technique, in which water is applied to the cane roots through tiny holes in plastic tubing.

    The history of drip irrigation in Hawaii goes back to 1970, at agricultural meetings in Israel, where Hawaiian sugar technologists were introduced to the new system. Returning to Hawaii, they developed drip irrigation for row crops such as sugar cane, over 16 years. The Hawaiian sugar industry became a source of inspiration to scientists around the world.

    By 1986, major installations of the drip system were completed at all 11 irrigated plantations in Hawaii. Among them was HC&S, largest drip-irrigated farm in the United States, and probably in the world today, with more than 37,000 acres under the system. The total expenditures for the drip installation program at HC&S was $30 million over 13 years.

    Success of the system at HC&S is attributed to the dedication, persistence and hard work of nearly 200 employees over more than a decade.

    A pioneering project for the plantation, drip irrigation is considered its lifesaver, around which all other operations revolve. The conclusion is that "if it were not for drip, HC&S might have folded some years ago." During an ordinary year at HC&S, drip is responsible for efficient water and fertilizer use, which has led to higher yields and record production. In periods of drought, drip irrigation keeps sugar cane alive and HC&S in business.

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