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a new water paradigm droughtproofing in Ethiopia more about water scheduling publications CONTACT WATERRIGHT |
About the authorColin Austin has had a varied career after graduating in engineering from Sheffield University in 1963. He started his career in process control, gradually building up expertise in the control of plastics processing equipment, working as R & D Manager of Johns Hydraulics before taking a spell in academia lecturing at RMIT in Melbourne. Some years ago, Colin wrote a piece of software that transformed the international design of plastics moulds using scientific principles rather than 'gut feel'. So successful was this software that the company that Colin founded (Moldflow) became the largest exporter of technical software in Australia, a multi-million dollar company selling in over 48 countries throughout the world. He became increasingly concerned about environmental issues, particularly the management of what he sees as the worlds most critical resource;- fresh water. Just as he had changed the plastics industry from a 'hunch based' to a science based process, he saw that irrigation technology could be transformed by the application of the scientific approach. A key success was the development of micro flood irrigation which uses thin wall blown film to transport and deliver water under gravity, replacing the traditional open channels which lead to major losses of water by evaporation and leakage. The heart of the system is a simple sequencing valve which squeezes the plastic pipe shut, to control the water distribution and allow precise applications of water. He has continued his software development with scheduling software which enables precise applications of water. The software calculates plant water usage and water holding capacity of the soil from soil and plant sensors. He has just returned from Ethiopia where he has been working with World Vision to train local farmers in how to install and operate this simple but effective technology. He is now working toward the manufacture of the blown film pipe in Ethiopia from recycled plastics bags which he believes will save thousands of lives by enabling local farmers to grow food under the cyclic droughts which leads to the death of many thousands of people. Return to home page24 april-3
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