Deere & Co. announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Israel-based Plastro Irrigation Systems Ltd., creating the third-largest agricultural irrigation company in the world.

Moline, Ill.-based Deere will combine Plastro with is current John Deere Water Technologies operations and T-Systems International, which Deere announced it had acquired in late May.

“Precision irrigation will help the world meet its demand for increased productivity from agriculture,” Michael McGrady, president of John Deere Water Technologies, said in a release. “The world’s population growth, demand for improved nutrition globally and increased interest in renewable fuels all require much more precision in the management of the world’s fresh water and arable land.”

John Deere Water Technologies, based in San Marcos, Calif., manufactures high-performance plastic micro and drip irrigation products for the agricultural, nursery, landscape and greenhouse markets. It was formed in June 2006 when Deere purchased Roberts Irrigation Products Inc. Plastro Irrigation, established in 1966, provides irrigation system components, agro-technical consultation, design and planning, installation assistance and training.