Irrigation Systems
Water is essential to produce many of the foods we eat daily. The availability, diversity, and cost of our food is directly linked to farming irrigation. Irrigation is the artificial application of water to soil through various systems such as tubes, pumps, and sprays. It is commonly used when natural water sources and rainfall are insufficient to meet the water needs of plants and pastures.
This is particularly important in regions where rainfall is irregular or during periods of unexpected dryness or drought. Irrigation helps ensure that crops receive the necessary moisture for growth and productivity and supports agricultural activities in areas where relying on natural precipitation is not practical.
In Practice
Efficient water use: Different irrigation techniques may vary in how they source, distribute, and monitor water across the field, but the main goal is the same: to deliver water evenly so that every plant gets the right amount without any water waste.
Surface or flood irrigation: These systems distribute water over the soil surface using gravity. Fields slope gradually away from the water source so that water can move throughout the whole area. This is the most common form of irrigation worldwide.
Centre-pivot irrigation: This irrigation system applies water in a circular pattern through a pressurised water irrigation method. The pivot system involves a lateral stainless-steel pipeline mounted on mobile truss structures which support the pipe. Sprinkler nozzles are installed along the pipeline to adjust flow rates.
Drip irrigation: This method of irrigation has one of the highest water efficiency rates within agriculture. Also known as trickle irrigation, the water is delivered drop by drop. This method minimises evaporation and runoff, making it one of the most efficient irrigation systems in modern agriculture. Drip irrigation can be combined with other techniques to further reduce evaporation.
Sub irrigation: This method delivers the water to plants underground via pipes and irrigation tape which is typically buried at the time of planting. It is ideal for field crops and in controlled environments, such as nurseries.
Monitoring equipment: This equipment can be used to assess the moisture levels in soil post irrigation to ensure that sufficient but not excessive soil moisture levels are achieved. Pump controllers streamline the irrigation process and optimises water use. Leak detection equipment can minimise water wastage, increasing system efficiency. These methods can be used to reduce water wastage and increase quality of crops.
Electric Fence technology: When used correctly, electric fencing ensures efficient animal control, preventing livestock interference with irrigation infrastructure. This not only safeguards the integrity of the irrigation system but also enhances its longevity, addressing challenges associated with maintaining the infrastructure's functionality and durability.
Key Benefits
- Limited water: By adopting more efficient water irrigation systems, farmers can do more with water as it becomes more limited. Efficient water irrigation systems can lower farmers water footprint and reduce their water bills.
- Land productivity: Irrigated agricultural land is around twice as productive as rain-fed agriculture, allowing for increased production, intensification, and diversification in crops.
- Centre-pivot irrigation: This system, once set up, can last for around 20 years. When set up in ideal condition, it can have an 85% water efficiency rate. This is more efficient than sprinkler irrigation and flood irrigation systems.
- Leak detection: These technologies offer real-time monitoring of water tank levels, providing early warnings if levels fall significantly. This is crucial for preventing water outages, allowing farmers to take timely actions to ensure continuous water supply for irrigation.
- Monitoring equipment: These methods empower farmers with the information needed to make informed decisions, contributing to efficient water use and reducing the risk of crop stress due to water shortages.
- Drip irrigation: By applying small amounts of water to plant roots, evaporation is reduced, improving water efficiency.
Key Challenges
- Water availability: Challenges in water availability directly impact agriculture leading to market and trade disruptions and impacting global food security.
- Water source: There are concerns for removing too much water from waterways to irrigate land.
- Efficient water management: Excess water run-off from irrigation can increase fertiliser and animal effluent in waterways increasing pollution.
- Costs: Irrigation systems can be costly to set up, which can be more difficult for smaller farms.
- Electricity: Many irrigation systems require electricity, which is often challenging and unreliable in rural areas.
Global Context
Irrigation systems are crucial to the world’s food supply. Irrigated farmlands contribute to 20% of total cultivated land but make up 40% of the world’s food supply. Agriculture is one of the leading consumers of freshwater globally. Environmental changes are leading to increased frequency and longer droughts. This challenge alongside increasing water demands is leading to decreased water availability.
Customer Story: W4 Ranch - Gallagher Satellite Liquid Monitoring System
Jeff Chaffin, Manager at W4 Ranch in Morgan, Texas explains why the Gallagher Satellite Monitoring System has been life changing on the ranch. At any point in time, there can be up to 800 cattle drinking from a single water source, signifying the importance of monitoring these resources. Our system allows Jeff to sleep easy, knowing his water sources are under control.
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