Whether you have a small homestead or a large commercial farming operation, proper irrigation is crucial to your success. Natural rainfall is ideal for supporting crops. However, irrigation—the manmade application of moisture to the soil to supplement rainfall—is necessary when there simply isn't enough rain to meet your farming needs. While hand-watering plants is fine for a backyard gardener, large-scale operations enjoy several benefits by utilizing irrigation wells and systems. Read more about them in this guide.

Why Do Farms Need Irrigation Wells?

1. Support Crop Growth

Plants require water to grow. Surface, drip, and sprinkler irrigation systems ensure that crops get the moisture and nutrients they need to survive and thrive. Water helps dissolve nutrients so plant roots can absorb them, and it also keeps the soil cool, which is especially important during hot and dry weather. An irrigation well is a secure insurance policy against crop damage or losses during times of erratic rainfall or drought.

2. Reduce Labor 

Modern irrigation systems are customizable and can be automated to provide water when and where it is needed. This not only reduces the amount of labor required to water crops but also reduces the burden in other ways.

 Effective irrigation can reduce weed infiltration throughout fields and support more effective fertilization. Fertilizer products will dissolve when exposed to liquid from a sprinkler system. This allows it to be applied more uniformly to all the plants, reducing the work necessary to feed crops and reducing waste. 

3. Improve Energy Efficiency 

A reliable and efficient irrigation well helps reduce the amount of energy necessary to support the farming operation. You can cut the amount of water and energy required to water crops if you choose the right system based on the climate, soil type, species of crops you're growing, and size of your property. 

For example, surface and sub-surface irrigation are often effective when used in the clay-type soils found in Georgia. They require significantly less power than other setups and help prevent excess water run-off and waste. Drip irrigation, which slowly and consistently waters plants, is also efficient, requiring less power and water than other systems.

If your farming operation needs an irrigation well and system, turn to Everetts Well Drilling & Irrigation LLC in Quitman, GA. The fully licensed technicians put more than 40 years of experience to work constructing deep wells in Brooks County, southern Georgia, and northern Florida. You can count on a long-lasting, safe well for all of your water needs, thanks to their insistence on using the most reliable methods and long-lasting materials, such as steel casings. Visit the website to learn more about their services, and call (229) 263-4192 to request a free estimate.