Irrigation is the artificial movement of water from a pond or tank to land that needs it most. During winters or droughts, water can be applied to crops and grazing pastures in order to keep them healthy and green.

Farms, which rely on water to keep crops and pastures green all year round, need to have a reliable and effective irrigation system set up. Without one, a farm is at risk of losing profit during dry spells.

To find the best irrigation system for your farm, you should look for a system that delivers the right amount of water to your fields for the lowest amount of capital and time. Essentially, what you are looking for is the most efficient system available.

Application Rate

The amount of water that is applied during irrigation is an important part of the system. If too much water is used, then you are likely to experience pooling or run-off as the soil cannot absorb all of the water. However, if you apply too little water, the plants will wither.

Every system will offer a specific ‘rate of application’. The describes how much water is being distributed in relation to a certain amount of time. The rate of application will let you know how often you need to rotate the system in order to distribute the right amount of water. Slower application rates typically mean better absorption of water to soil as well as less time spent managing the system.

Look for a system that offers you a choice of application rates. When you purchase a system, you should be put in contact with an irrigation expert who can advise you on an ideal rate of application for your farm and your personal needs.

Price

Buying an irrigation system should be worked in to your operational budget. What you can and cannot afford, is up to you and you should consider your budget when choosing your system. The initial investment into the irrigation products will be the first cost to consider, however this cost alone should not be the basis of your decision.

A low initial cost is meaningless if the system needs to be replaced in a few years. Before you buy, learn all you can about each brand’s reputation for durability as well as any product guarantees available.

You should also consider the likelihood of your farm expanding in the future, and what that means for your irrigation system. Try to find a system that can easily be added to, to ensure a smooth transition towards the future. If you have to buy an entirely new system every time you want to add land to your holding, then your irrigation system may become a financial burden.

Time

Time costs should also be considered as part of the overall cost of your system. Sprinklers need to be rotated regularly and carefully managed. If you choose a system that is difficult to move or complicated to set up, you may find yourself spending too much time involved with the irrigation and not enough on other important aspects of your business, causing you to lose money.

RX Plastics produces a farm irrigation system that prides itself on efficient use of water with minimal time and energy required by ranchers and farmers. This, along with their high-quality effluent management products, has made RX Plastics an internationally recognized developer of irrigation technology. Discover what sets this reticulation solutions company apart.