You can’t grow crops without adequate hydration, but it isn’t always easy to know which watering solution is right for you. Fortunately, by evaluating a few factors, you can determine the unique needs of your farm and improve your yield. Here are a few factors to consider before adding irrigation equipment to your land. 

3 Factors to Consider When Adding an Irrigation System to a Farm

1. Weather

Wind can blow away water that is sprayed, so consider drip irrigation equipment instead of a spray application if you live in a particularly windy field. Water evaporation is also more prevalent in areas prone to high temperatures, making it difficult to irrigate effectively with spray irrigation. On the other hand, if the weather is mild and the winds are typically calm, a spray system could help you cover more ground quickly. 

2. Soil Variety

Water tends to move quickly through sandy soils and slowly through clay variants. Sandy soil needs significant amounts of water in short, quick bursts to give the plants the chance to absorb the moisture.

If the soil contains a lot of clay, the water can run off before it moves to the roots, but the ground will hold onto the liquid for longer. If you have clay soil, you should look for irrigation that applies water at a lower rate. You should also schedule less frequent watering sessions to prevent oversaturating the ground.

Consider investing in a professional soil test to learn more about your land. This inspection can give you insights about the soil’s pH level and micronutrients, which will help you fertilize properly.

3. Land Grading 

If your land slopes, drip irrigation might not work well. The water might flow toward the lower portions and flood those areas. Spray irrigation would be the better choice to ensure all sections of the land are hydrated.

To learn more about the topography of your farm, consider flooding the area between seasons to see where the water pools. You can always build up low points and even out high points to make irrigation easier. 

If you need new irrigation equipment to improve your yield, turn to Ernst Irrigation in St. Paul, OR. With high-end water treatment systems, these trusted irrigation specialists can help you choose the proper equipment for your farm to improve your bottom line. Whether you need water treatment or irrigation parts, they can help. To learn more about how they can enhance your farmland, visit their website or call (503) 633-1111.