Home farmland irrigation: How to initially match the water pump type according to land conditions

Home farmland irrigation: How to initially match the water pump type according to land conditions

When choosing an irrigation pump for your farmland, the first task is to match the pump type to the specific land conditions. It's like matching a suitable saddle to a horse with different characteristics. Proper matching can be efficient and labor-saving. You can make a preliminary judgment based on the three core conditions of water source, land topography and irrigation method.

1. First look at the water source: Where does the water pump draw water from?

Water source conditions are the primary factor in determining the type of water pump.

The water source is a deep well (or deeper puddle):

Features: The water level is deep and stable.

Preferred pump type: submersible pump.

Reason: The submersible pump motor and pump body are integrated. It works underwater and lifts water directly from the depth. It is highly efficient, does not have to worry about starting trouble, and does not need to worry about insufficient suction distance (water pumping height). It is the most commonly used and most reliable choice for deep well water extraction.

The water source is surface water (river, pond, reservoir) and the water level does not change much:

Features: The water surface is not far from the ground and the water level is relatively stable.

Preferred pump type: centrifugal pump.

Reason: Centrifugal pumps are usually installed on the ground, and the flow rate can be very large, which is suitable for large-area border irrigation or furrow irrigation. But before it starts, the pump usually needs to be filled with water (water diversion).

The water source is surface water, but the water level drops seasonally or regularly:

Features: During the dry season, the water surface may be far away from the installation location of the pump.

Preferred pump type: Self-priming pump.

Reason: The self-priming pump is also installed on the ground, but its internal structure is special and has the ability of "self-priming", that is, a part of water can be stored in the pump, and there is no need for manual water filling when starting next time. It is very suitable for pumping water from water sources with unstable water levels, and is extremely convenient to use.

2. Secondly, look at the terrain and height difference of the land: how far and how high should the water be sent?

The terrain determines how much "force" (head) the pump requires.

Flat land or gentle slope, water source is close to the plot:

The requirements for the pump lift are not high, and the main focus is whether the flow (water output) is sufficient. The above three pump types can be considered as long as the flow rate is met.

The location of the plot is significantly higher than the water source, or it needs to be transported to a distant hillside:

At this time, the requirements for the lift of the water pump are very high. When selecting a model, you must confirm that the rated lift of this model of water pump (shown in the instruction manual) can exceed the total height you need. Generally, multi-stage submersible pumps can provide high lift and are suitable for delivering water from deep wells to high places; high-lift self-priming pumps or centrifugal pumps can also meet the needs of certain slopes.

3. Finally, look at the irrigation method: How much “water power” is needed?

Different watering methods have different water pressure and flow requirements.

Drip or micro-sprinkler irrigation:

Demand characteristics: High and stable pressure is required, but the total flow rate is not large.

Matching suggestions: You can choose a self-priming pump or a small multi-stage pump with higher pressure, and be sure to be equipped with a pressure tank and a pressure stabilizing valve to ensure stable operation of the end dripper.

Sprinkler irrigation (using rocker sprinklers, etc.):

Demand characteristics: Larger flow and higher pressure are required at the same time.

Matching suggestions: Choose a centrifugal pump or self-priming pump with matching head and flow parameters, and ensure sufficient power.

Furrow irrigation, border irrigation (flood irrigation):

Demand characteristics: A very large flow rate is required, but the pressure requirements are very low, as long as the water can be sent to the ditch entrance.

Matching suggestions: centrifugal pumps with large flow rate, medium and low head are preferred, which are efficient and economical.

Summary: A quick matching decision process

You can quickly narrow down your choices by following this path:

The first step is to determine the water source: well water/deep pit → give priority to submersible pumps; stable surface water → consider centrifugal pumps; surface water with changing water levels → consider self-priming pumps.

The second step is to look at the terrain: If the water lifting height or delivery distance is very large, based on the first step, focus on screening high-lift models (such as multi-stage submersible pumps, high-lift self-priming pumps).

The third step is to select the method: Combined with your planned irrigation method (drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, flood irrigation), finally confirm the flow rate and pressure range of the required water pump to lock in the specific model.

Remember, there is no “one size fits all” pump. The one that is most suitable for your farmland must be the one that best suits your water source, terrain and watering method. After completing this preliminary matching, and then calculating the specific flow and lift requirements in detail, you can make an accurate final choice.