How to choose a sprinkler irrigation system? Match the most water-saving solution based on farmland area

How to choose a sprinkler irrigation system? Match the most water-saving solution based on farmland area

When choosing a sprinkler irrigation system for farmland, the core goal is to save water resources and operating costs to the greatest extent while ensuring uniform irrigation. The key to selection is to combine the right equipment into the most efficient solution based on farmland size, shape, crop type and water conditions.

Step one: Determine the main plan based on area and shape.

For small areas (several acres to dozens of acres) and regular shapes: fixed pipe sprinkler irrigation can be considered. The main pipe and branch pipes are fixed and buried, and the nozzles are arranged at a certain distance. It is a one-time investment and easy to manage.

Medium to large areas and regular shapes: mobile pipe-type sprinkler irrigation or reel-type sprinkler irrigation machines are more cost-effective. The mobile pipe can be detachable for wheel irrigation; the reel machine is like a large hose reel and can move automatically. The single machine has a large control area and is suitable for field crops.

Large area, ultra-large scale: Large sprinkler irrigation machines are the mainstream choice, such as clock-type (circular) and translational (rectangular) sprinkler machines. They have a high degree of automation and even irrigation, but require large investment and are suitable for large-scale farms.

Step 2: Select terminal equipment according to crop needs, which is the core of water saving.

Closely planted crops in fields (wheat, pasture, etc.): Use medium and low pressure rotating sprinklers with moderate water droplets to ensure even coverage.

Cash crops and orchards: Priority will be given to micro-sprinkler irrigation. Low-pressure small sprinklers form drizzle near the roots of crops, which has a significant water-saving effect and can also adjust the microclimate.

Row crops (corn, cotton, etc.): Drip irrigation is the most water-saving option. Water and fertilizer are delivered directly to the roots with almost no evaporation loss, but initial investment and maintenance requirements are high.

Step 3: Combine water source and power for system matching.

Water source: Confirm whether the water output and water pressure of the water source (well, river, pond) can meet the needs of the selected system. Insufficient water volume will result in insufficient sprinkler head pressure and uneven irrigation.

Power and cost: Calculate the lift and flow required by the water pump, and choose a high-efficiency water pump to save electricity bills. For large systems, a power supply solution needs to be planned.

Brief summary:

First, look at the size and shape of the field to determine the system skeleton (fixed, mobile, or large machinery), then look at the crop type to select the water-saving core (sprinkler, micro-sprinkler, or drip irrigation), and finally match the water source power to complete the puzzle. Remember, there is no such thing as the most advanced system, just the solution that best suits your field conditions and planting pattern. Consulting experienced suppliers and conducting experiments on a small scale are effective ways to find the optimal solution.