Configurations Of Farm Irrigation Systems

By Joseph Reynolds


Farming in modern times has developed a set of techniques for providing needed moisture to the crops. There are several that are available in order to accommodate several different types of landscaping and needs. Certain crops need certain types of farm irrigation systems in order to maximize growth potential in the ever increasing competitive global agriculture market. Choosing the right system depends on the crop and the type of land it is growing in.

Surface irrigation is designed to be set up in any place where gravity can do the job. This is a process that has been in use for thousands of years and requires no mechanical pump to feed water to the crops. Channels are placed between the rows and water is sent through using gravity from a slight slope. It is one of the most used types of irrigation in the world today.

Localized processes are designed for crops that need water close to the roots. Pipes are typically placed between the rows with holes to allow the water to spray or drip into the soil at a low rate. Flooding the field does not work for this system because the crops need the water directly into the root system. There is very little evaporation with this system.

Sprinkler equipment is used to simulate rainfall. With this design, the water is pumped through a system and the pipes spray the water into the air. It breaks into small droplets and then falls to the ground much the way a typical rainfall would work. This allows for a nice, even distribution of the water to the crops.

A central pivot type of system uses sprinklers to spray the water. However, it is anchored at one end so the pipes move in a circular motion. The equipment is set on wheels so it can easily move around the central point, watering the crops as it goes.

Lateral configurations are the same as the central pivot system except it moves in a straight line. The equipment can be designed to move manually or automatically in very slow motion. The one issue is that several risers have to be placed through the field in order for the pipes to be reconnected as the pressure is not enough to have extremely long hoses providing the water. In this case, someone will have to monitor the field periodically to coordinate moving the hose connections.

Sub-irrigation systems are used to raise the water table under the crops. Typically, the system has a number of underground pipes that will allow water to be transported below ground. This water then is absorbed directly by the root system, rather than having to travel through the surface to get to the roots. This works well in areas that have extreme heat and would have significant evaporation. They also work well for indoor situations where sprinklers and other above ground systems wouldn't work. The excess water is easily collected and reused.

Competition for farmers is strong on a global scale. Because of this, those in the business need to have the right type of irrigation system that will help maximize the growth of the crops and reduce the cost of watering them on a daily basis. With the right equipment, both issues can be addressed, making the crops more competitive.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment