Irrigation systems for agriculture

Many farmers, especially beginners, when choosingirrigation systems for agriculture, focus on the minimum price. Of course, budget is important, but often savings at the initial stage will result in greater costs in the future - due to inefficient use of water, plant diseases and reduced yields. I’ll say right away that there is no universal solution. The approach must be comprehensive, taking into account climate, soil type, cultivated crops and, of course, financial capabilities.

Varieties and applicationsirrigation systems for agriculture

If we talk about classification, we can distinguish surface, drip and sprinkling. Surface irrigation is the oldest and least effective, especially in dry regions. It requires a lot of water and often leads to soil erosion. Sprinkler irrigation, in turn, is better suited for large areas, but is sensitive to wind and requires a more complex filtration system. And now drip irrigation... In my opinion, it is the most promising option, especially for vegetables, fruits and berry crops. But there are nuances here too: water quality, regularity of maintenance, correctly selected droppers - all this is critical.

In practice, we often encounter a situation where farmers choose a drip system, but forget about soil moisture control. They rely on 'experience' or visual inspection, which usually leads to waterlogging or, conversely, to a lack of water. There is too much 'optimism' in the initial calculations, followed by constant adjustments and alterations. This is normal, but it is better to budget for the possibility of making changes than to redo the entire system later.

Drip irrigation: advantages and disadvantages

The advantages are obvious: minimal water consumption, precise dosing of fertilizers (if fertilizer systems are used), reduced risk of plant diseases. But there are also disadvantages. Drip tapes can become clogged, droppers can fail, and filters require regular cleaning. Clogging is the most common problem, especially in areas with hard water. We suggest using a coarse filtration system followed by fine filtration, as well as regular washing of drip tapes. In particular, in our region, where the water is quite mineralized, we use filters with backwashing, which significantly increases the service life of the system.

We work with various manufacturers of drip equipment. I personally rate the products of Netafim and Agroval as reliable and durable, but they are not always the best price for small farms. It is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons, taking into account the specifics of a particular task and budget capabilities.

Automation and remote controlirrigation systems for agriculture

Modernirrigation systems for agricultureincreasingly equipped with automation. This is not just a convenience, it is a necessity. Automation allows you to optimize watering depending on weather conditions, soil moisture and plant needs. For example, you can set up watering on a schedule, and soil moisture sensors will adjust it in real time. Of course, an automated system requires a source of electricity and a stable Internet connection, but the advantages more than outweigh these disadvantages.

We are now actively implementing remote irrigation control systems. This allows the farmer to control the irrigation process from anywhere in the world, identify problems at an early stage and quickly respond to them. For example, if a pressure sensor indicates a decrease in system pressure, the farmer receives a notification on his phone and can quickly determine the cause - a leak or a blockage.

Smart sensors and IoT inirrigation systems for agriculture

Recently, there has been a boom in the use of smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in agriculture. These sensors can measure temperature, humidity, light, soil nutrient content and other parameters needed for optimal plant growth. The collected data is transferred to the cloud, where it is analyzed and used for managementirrigation systems for agriculture. This allows for maximum efficiency and reduced costs for water and fertilizers.

We recently implemented a project to implement an IoT system in a vineyard. Soil moisture and temperature sensors were installed in different zones, and the data was transmitted to a central server. The system automatically adjusted irrigation depending on the needs of individual areas, which reduced water consumption by 20% and increased yield by 15%. This was one of the most successful projects, and we plan to implement similar systems in more vineyards.

Real cases and lessons

We encountered various problems during implementationirrigation systems for agriculture. One day we were working on a farm where we used a sprinkler system. The problem was the uneven distribution of water. This was due to the fact that the injectors were installed incorrectly and the pressure in the system was too high. We reset the injectors and lowered the pressure and the problem was solved. This case shows how important it is to properly design and configure an irrigation system.

Another interesting case is the implementation of a drip system in a potato field. We used a system with automatic fertilizer supply, which made it possible to provide the plants with the necessary nutrients in the optimal dosage. As a result, potato yields increased by 30%, and fertilizer costs decreased by 10%. This is an example of how you can get significant benefits from the introduction of modern technologies.

I remember one bad experience when we installed an overly complex and expensive irrigation system on a small strawberry plot. As a result, the complexity of the system led to high maintenance and repair costs, and its benefits were minimal. This is a good example of the fact that it is not always worth pursuing manufacturability and complexity, the main thing is that the system meets the needs and capabilities of farms.

Conclusion

Choiceirrigation systems for agricultureis a responsible process that requires careful analysis and a professional approach. You should not skimp on the quality of equipment and expert advice. Investments in modern technologies are investments in the future of your farm. Shandong Linyao Intelligent Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd. is always ready to offer you the optimal solution that takes into account your needs and budget. We strive not just to sell equipment, but to offer comprehensive solutions that ensure high efficiency and cost-effectiveness of irrigation.