Irrigation systems
Irrigation is a technique that aims to meet the water needs of a planted area due to the availability of low water or poor distribution of rainfall. The main types of irrigation currently used are superficial, localized and sprinklers.
Surface irrigation
In said water it is carried out to the point of infiltration directly by the surface of the soil. The most common irrigation systems of this type are flood irrigation and furrow irrigation.
Irrigation by flood.
Advantage:
- Low cost of implementation, energy and maintenance;
- Encourages the reinforcement of photosynthesis in the lower leaves due to the reflection of light on water;
- The wind does not limit the watering;
- Promotes the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, due to favoring the growth of blue-green algae.
Disadvantages:
- Stagnant water can damage plants mainly by decreasing root respiration;
- Very dependent on the slope of the ground;
- Frequent erosions in the grooves;
- Water losses due to infiltration.
Localized irrigation
In such water is applied to the area occupied by the roots of the plants, forming a wet circle or wet strip. This technique is widely used today, it is applied as much in the production of fruit. The two basic systems in localized irrigation are micro spray and drip.
Irrigation by drip.
Advantage:
- Low cost of labor and energy;
- High application efficiency, since the water is applied directly to the root, there are few evaporation losses;
- The ease and efficiency in the application of fertilizers, with fertigation;
- Great adaptation to different types of soils;
- The soil is kept uniformly moist and oxygen.
- The wind and slope of the land is not limited to irrigation;
Disadvantages:
- High cost at home due to the large number of pipes;
- Fairly sensitive to clogging of water outlet holes;
- Decrease the depth of the roots due to the constant availability of water, this can decrease the stability of the plant.
Sprinkler irrigation
This type simulates an artificial rain where a sprinkler expels water into the air, which by aerodynamic resistance are transformed into small drops of water that fall on the ground and plants. Its main systems are the conventional, the central pivot and the self-propelled.
Advantage:
- Low cost of specialized labor;
- High application efficiency;
- The ease and efficiency in the application of fertilizers, with fertigation;
- A better control of the irrigation sheet;
Disadvantages:
- Increase the development of diseases, due to wet foliage;
- High initial costs, energy and maintenance;
- Limited by the wind and the slope of the terrain;
- May cause damage to the soil, due to nearby water runoff.
What irrigation system should I choose?
The choice of the most suitable system for your farm should consider the type of soil, relief, water availability, climate, culture and irrigation management. Therefore, before installing the system in your farm it is important that you consult an agronomist to guide you in the best decision.
Irrigation system management
We have already seen "3 ways to reduce the cost of irrigation" in any type of irrigation system waste water is produced and loss of productivity; they are left without management and without an ideal irrigation management. This happens even with the most efficient and best designed systems. On the other hand, it is important to know the availability of water in your area.
Nowadays there are systems that make irrigation more intelligent. These systems are connected to the Internet and use sensors that monitor the crop, automatically.
Smart Grow
With the aim of improving productivity and optimizing the use of resources in agriculture, intelligent farming modes have been created, connecting the farmer to his plantation. Tracking more than 10 environmental variables, the use of sensors in the field, satellite image processing, weather forecasting and cloud computing, monitoring plantations in real time to help the producer understand the real needs of the plant at any stage of its development and thus help make more precise decisions.
The system uses machine-readable sensors, eliminating the need to enter the field to collect data and allows you to see the behavior of water in the soil at different depths of the roots.
Floor sensors
In addition, the system uses digital indicators that automatically control rainfall in each block. In this way, the producer receives daily precise recommendations about when and how much to irrigate.
To make the right choice and obtain the desired benefits we must contact the specialists who will guide us in the irrigation system according to our farm.
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