Rational Equipment Configuration Schemes for Agricultural Irrigation

Rational Equipment Configuration Schemes for Agricultural Irrigation

Configuring irrigation equipment for agriculture is not simply a matter of buying a water pump and a pile of pipes.  Instead, it requires designing a coordinated "power-pipeline-water outlet" combination scheme based on the water source, field size, crops, and management conditions. A rational combination can achieve a "1+1>2" effect, striking the best balance between meeting irrigation needs, saving water and labor, and ensuring long-term economic efficiency. The core idea is to find the most suitable combination between "centralized and unified" and "partitioned and flexible" modes.

For fields of moderate size, relatively flat terrain, primarily planting the same crop, and allowing for unified irrigation, a "single-stage water lifting + main pipe branching + surface flexible hose" combination scheme can be used. The core of this scheme is: configuring a power-matched water pump at the water source (such as a well or pond), and laying a sturdy and durable main water pipeline (such as PVC or PE pipe) directly to the field. In the field, multiple movable flexible hoses (such as coated hoses) are connected through branch valves, and manually dragged for rotational or supplementary irrigation. The advantages of this combination scheme are low investment, simple structure, and ease of management and maintenance. It effectively replaces inefficient earthen canals, significantly reduces water loss, and maintains a certain degree of flexibility.

When facing complex situations with large areas, scattered plots, significant elevation differences, or the need to plant different crops, a "single-stage" combination is often inefficient. In this case, a more rational solution is to design a "multi-stage water lifting/partitioned pressure regulation" combination. For example, a "water source main pump + elevated water tank/pressure tank + field pipe network" combination can be used. The main pump is responsible for lifting water from the low-lying water source to a water tank or pressure tank located in the center or at a higher position of the field for storage. Then, using natural gravity or a small auxiliary pump, the water is distributed through a fixed field pipe network (branch pipes and lateral pipes) for gravity or low-pressure irrigation. For areas with complex terrain, a combination of a "main water pump + independent auxiliary pumps for different zones" can be designed. This involves configuring independent pumps and piping systems for areas at different elevations or distances, enabling precise irrigation with separate zones, timing, and pressure control. Although the initial investment and piping costs are higher, it leads to greater energy efficiency and more refined management in the long run.

Regardless of the chosen combination, the principle of "reliable core equipment and suitable field equipment" should be followed. The water pump, as the power source, must accurately match the system's flow rate and head requirements, and an efficient and durable model should be selected. Pipes and water delivery devices (sprinklers, drippers) should balance durability and cost; for example, using long-lasting rigid pipes for the main lines and lightweight flexible hoses for the movable field sections. The final decision should consider your field map, water source conditions, planting plan, and labor availability. It's best to consult experienced irrigation service professionals to find the optimal equipment combination that balances reliability, water efficiency, initial investment, and ease of operation through system design.