What Are The Different Types of Farm Irrigation Systems?
It is possible to keep unlimited acres of fields productive with the right irrigation system; however, deciding on the best irrigation method for each farm requires some planning, and working with an experienced farm irrigation system supply company is a farmer’s best option.
Categories of Agricultural Irrigation
There are several types of farm irrigation systems in use today, including flood, sprinkler, drip, and micro irrigation.
1. Flood Irrigation
Irrigated water is directed down furrows that have been graded to a specific gradual slope for the most uniform application. Water is supplied to the furrows via above-ground PVC pipe with a “gate” at each furrow, or a large diameter thin wall poly pipe with a hole punched to divert water in some cases.
2. Sprinkler Irrigation
Sprinkler irrigation can be used to irrigate fields of almost any size, slope, or shape; the different ways sprinklers are used in farm irrigation systems are listed below, with spacings ranging from forty to over one hundred feet between sprinklers.
3. Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation involves the use of small diameter poly tubing with emitters, which can be manually installed into the tubing to water a specific tree or plant, or emitter tubing, which has drip emitters installed on a specific spacing at the factory.
4. Micro Irrigation
Micro irrigation is the use of small, low-volume sprinklers called micro-sprinklers on farm irrigation systems that irrigate orchards and vineyards. A farmer must consider a number of factors when deciding which system installation is best for farm or field irrigation.
What is the best pipe to use for underground sprinkler system?
Polyethylene tubing is the best choice for environments that require flexible tube, such as rocky soil or cold climates where the soil is likely to freeze. Because of its high pressure ratings, this type of tubing is becoming more popular than ever in home sprinkler systems.
How do you install sprinkler pipe?
Installing a Sprinkler System in 10 Easy Steps
- Step 1: In-Ground Sprinkler Overview.
- Step 2: Dig the Trenches.
- Step 3: Connect the Water Line.
- Step 4: Install the Zone Valves.
- Step 5: Place the Pipes in the Trenches.
- Step 6: Connect the Pipe at the Valve Box.
- Step 7: Install the Pop-Up Sprinklers.
How do I build a trench for my sprinkler system?
How to Dig a Lawn Sprinkler Trench
- A trenching shovel.
- A drain spade, also known as a sharpshooter, to dig deeply into the ground.
- A square sod shovel to dig straight into the soil to lift out sod, roots, and dirt.
What size Trencher do I need for sprinklers?
The majority of landscaping and irrigation tasks only require trenches six inches wide or less, with many tasks requiring widths of four inches, two inches, or even less.
Can you use 1/2 inch sprinkler pipe?
When installing a sprinkler system, you may choose to use PVC or polyethylene piping to deliver water to the sprinkler heads, with PVC pipes typically having a diameter of 1/2 inch to 2 inches.
How deep should sprinkler lines be buried?
5.1 – Dig trenches 12″ deep for the header line and 6″ deep for the lateral lines along the lines painted on the ground. 5.2 – Install PVC pipes for 100% coverage over all (watering) zones.
How much does it cost to have a sprinkler system installed?
Costs range from $70 to $1,000, depending on whether you want to set up less expensive manual irrigation systems for small yards or have a custom irrigation system with timers designed and installed for built-in garden beds.
How many sprinkler heads can you put on a zone?
The sprinkler head and nozzle will use different amounts of water at different pressures; for example, the 5000 Series Rotor with the 3.0 nozzle will use 3.11 gallons per minute (GPM) at 35 PSI; if your home’s water capacity was 10 GPM, you could place three heads per zone.
Is a sprinkler system worth it?
A properly automated and timed irrigation system, in combination with well-matched sprinkler heads and hoses by plant zones, can help homeowners reduce overall water usage and utility costs.
What is the fastest way to dig a trench?
What is the Quickest Method for Digging a Trench by Hand?
- Use a trenching shovel to quickly excavate the trench.
- Use a pick mattock to dig up rocks and break through tough soil the day before the excavation.
How do you dig a trench for water pipes?
Follow these instructions to dig a drainage trench:
- Dig your drainage trench.
- Line your trench with water-permeable landscape fabric.
- Lay 3 inches of gravel in the bottom of the trench.
Can I dig a trench with an auger?
Tilling with an auger can reduce the amount of work required for a new or large garden. Digging Irrigation Trenches u2013 If you need to dig irrigation or sprinkler system trenches, our augers can make the job easier and faster.
Where should sprinkler trench be?
In mild climates, trenches only need to be 8 to 12 inches deep; in areas where hard freezes occur, 18 inches is sufficient; in extremely cold climates, consult your irrigation supplier for the recommended depth below the frost line.
How fast does a walk behind trencher work?
You should be able to do 1 to 1.75 feet per minute if you get a good one.