What Irrigation System Is Right for You?

There are two main methods that farmers use to water their plants. The first is to allow nature to do all the work, which is called rain-fed farming. The other method is to use irrigation.

When trying to pick an irrigation system, there are many different factors you must look at to decide what is best for you. Here are a few common irrigation systems that might be what you are looking for.

Surface Irrigation

For thousands of years, humans have been using surface irrigation for farming. There are four main stages that make up surface irrigation: advanced phase, storage phase, depletion phase and recession phase. Surface irrigation has often been called flood irrigation.

The advance phase is the time period in which the water starts at the top of the field and runs to the bottom, where it will either drain or begin to pool. The time that the water sits on the field in a pond while water is still being added is called the storage phase. Once the field is completely submerged and no more water is being added, this is the depletion phase. After that, when the water is draining from the field, is the recession phase.

It is important to know if your plants are able to be completely submerged. Some plants require very little water, while other require a lot. Though surface irrigation is generally better for smaller areas, it provides a lot of water to your plants in a short amount of time.

Drip Irrigation

If you are farming in an area where water is hard to come by, drip irrigation might work well for you. It is a form of micro-irrigation designed to save water. By placing the water down closer to the roots, you are able to minimize evaporation. Because you are applying the water close to the roots, you also reduce the number of weeds in your fields.

Drip irrigation is also great in areas where your field is not level. Because the water is being controlled by pipes, you can have your field follow the shape of the landscape. The pipes that control the water also help with the soil erosion. Over time, you will not have as much water flowing over your soil. With less water flowing, the less you need to worry about soil erosion.

The problem with drip irrigation is the investment cost and maintenance. The pipes required to build a drip system are a little more expensive than a traditional surface irrigation system. You will need to make sure you properly filter your water so there is no sediment built up in your pipes. That being said, drip irrigation systems are a great investment.

Sprinkler Irrigation

When you are dealing with large fields of grass, like golf courses or parks, it is helpful to have a sprinkler system. These are also very common to have in home yards. They work off a series of slightly pressurized buried pipes with sprinkler heads. They use the pressure of the pipes to spray the water out of the heads to water the grass.

A more industrial use of sprinkler irrigation systems is the central pivot irrigation system. This system uses a water wheel to pivot around a field to efficiently water a circular area. Pivot systems are easier to maintain, making them a great choice for large farms.

Whether you are looking for a large irrigation system to water hundreds of acres of land or a small drip system to water your garden box, the professionals here at Waterford Irrigation Supply Inc. are here to help you figure out what you need! Contact us for a free consultation today.

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