Options For Irrigating Your Agricultural Fields

Establishing any kind of productive agricultural operation means investing in the right irrigation system as well. For many who are just branching out in the market, the choice of irrigation can seem somewhat confusing. It does not need to be a complicated process. Here are some of the things that you should know. 

Sprinkler Irrigation 

A sprinkler irrigation system is just like it sounds. You'd install a series of sprinkler systems throughout your fields that will spray water on the crops regularly. This is the most common method for lawn irrigation, but it can be inefficient for agricultural operations because the overhead water application leads to a lot of runoff, water beading on the leaves, and burnt plants if they don't dry out quickly enough. Not only that, but some plants are highly susceptible to certain strains of mildew if they are spray-watered. This is often the most affordable irrigation solution, though, which makes it popular.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation applies water at a much slower rate and more directly to the roots of your crops. The name represents its approach, where water is slowly fed through a series of perforated irrigation lines. The goal is to directly target the root systems at the base of the crops so that there's no water on the leaves and, by applying the water so slowly and gradually, giving the soil the opportunity to absorb every bit of the water for the root systems. This is ideal in areas where drainage may be an issue.

Channel Irrigation

Channel irrigation is a bit more complex than the other two systems and takes a little more work to establish. Despite that, it is one of the most popular solutions for irrigation because it is highly effective. The process of channel irrigation starts with digging watering channels with a series of dams and other similar structures to help you control the water flow at will. Those channels are then flooded with water that will soak into the soil to reach the roots of your crops. You can close off channels as needed to water your more demanding crops more than the ones that prefer well-drained soil.

These are three of the most common approaches used for irrigating agricultural operations. Consider your needs and the time you will have to tend each crop as you choose the irrigation system that's right for your operation. The investment now can save you a lot of time and potential crop loss in the future.

To learn more, contact a company like The Irrigator.