What we do
Feasibility and due diligence
Know what a property's water, soil and infrastructure can deliver before you buy, sell or develop.
Overview
Independent answers before you commit.
Ardal assesses irrigated and greenfield horticultural properties: water supply and security, crop and climate, soil, the existing irrigation system and risk. 15,000 ha of feasibility work so far, from Mildura and Christchurch across Australia and New Zealand.
Buyers and investors
Check the water, the system and the risks before you sign.
Sellers
Document the water and infrastructure, so buyers' questions already have answers.
Developers
Find out whether a greenfield site will support the crop you have in mind.
What we do
What we cover.
Water supply and security
Water is the first question on any irrigated property. We look at what you can rely on in a dry year, not just what the licence says.
- Entitlements, allocations and reliability
- Water quality and seasonal variation
- All water sources and how they work together
- Exposure to shortfall
The existing irrigation system
Buying or selling a developed property? We assess the irrigation system and water delivery network as they stand, and what it will take to reach the results you want.
- Pumps, filtration, mains and field systems
- Whether the system can meet peak crop demand
- Upgrades needed, with a budget
- A fair view of what the infrastructure is worth
Crop and climate
The crop's water demand set against the local climate, month by month. It is the basis of the water budget and the size of the system.
- Crop water demand through the season
- Water budget for the whole property
- Peak demand points for system design
- Local market implications
Soil survey and sampling
Our technicians survey and sample the soil. Samples go to reputable national labs for chemistry and disease testing, and you get the results with advice on what to do about them.
- Exploration pits, grid sampling and EM survey
- Soil chemistry
- Disease diagnostic testing
- Advice on soil amelioration and disease control
Risk and site suitability
Some things can't be forecast. We run what if scenarios so you can see their effect on the development before you commit.
- Frost, flood, drought and disease
- Rainfall and climate scenarios
- Storage and infrastructure in a bad year
- Overall site suitability
What you get
One independent report, written for the people making the decision.
- Water supply and security assessment
- Water budget for the property
- Peak demand figures for system design
- Condition of the existing irrigation system
- Upgrades needed, with a budget
- Soil lab results and what they mean
- Frost, flood, drought and disease risk
- A clear view on site suitability
Free download
The Irrigation Due Diligence Checklist
12 questions to ask before you buy a horticultural property.
- Water. Entitlements and reliability, what the property actually uses, and what happens in a low allocation year.
- Infrastructure. Age and condition of the pumps, filtration and mains, and whether the system can meet peak demand.
- Soil and crop. Soil tests, drainage and salinity, and whether the crop suits the soil, climate and water.
- Risk and compliance. Frost, flood and heat exposure, and whether meters, licences and approvals are in order.
Questions
Due diligence, answered.
What are the red flags when buying an irrigated property?
Water you can't rely on in a dry year. Licences that don't match what the property actually uses. Pumps, mains or filtration that are worn out, or too small for the crop you plan to grow. Soil problems such as salinity or poor drainage. Frost or flood exposure that hasn't been allowed for. Each one changes what the property is worth.
How much does a due diligence report cost?
It's priced on application, because no two properties are the same. What drives the price: the size of the property, how many water sources and licences there are, how much existing infrastructure there is to assess, whether soil sampling and lab tests are needed, travel, and how soon you need the report. Send the property details and we'll come back with a scope and a price.
How do you estimate irrigation demand?
Crop water requirement for each month, less the rain the crop can actually use, times the area planted, plus losses in the system. The peak month sets the size of the pumps, mains and filtration. Get it wrong and the system either falls short in the hottest week or you pay for capacity you never use.
What are the five elements of a feasibility study?
The textbook five are technical, economic, legal, operational and scheduling. On an irrigated property they come down to five questions: is there enough reliable water, will the crop suit the soil and climate, can the system deliver peak demand, what are the risks, and what will it cost to get there.
Is the report independent?
Yes. Recommendations are based on what suits the property and the crop, regardless of brand.
Where do you work?
The team works from Mildura and Christchurch, across Sunraysia, the Riverland, the Riverina, northern New South Wales, Queensland and New Zealand. Crops include almonds, citrus, vineyards, olives, cotton and forestry plantations. Travel is quoted up front.
Related
Looking at a property?
Send the address and what you plan to grow. Nick, Matt or Aaron will call you back with a scope and a price. Everything you send is kept confidential.