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The study analysed 15 centre pivot irrigation systems on six dairy farms in South Africa's Southern Cape between March and December 2021. It found that average system efficiency was 72.2%, with significant water wastage driven by wind speed, sprinkler height, and droplet size. The research highlights a positive correlation between soil health—specifically higher carbon and fungi levels—and pasture water-use efficiency. Financial analysis indicates that inefficient irrigation leads to substantial opportunity costs in terms of wasted water, increased electricity bills, and lost potential for dry matter production. The document advocates for the use of water meters and precise scheduling to reduce costs and enhance agro-ecosystem services.