Plantae will dedicate several articles to the study of agricultural irrigation systems and their importance, the different types of irrigation suitable for each case, and what is most appropriate for each type of land and crop.
Importance of Good Agricultural Irrigation Systems
When considering the need for good agricultural irrigation systems, we must take many factors into account:
- First, we need to know the water quality.
- We also need to determine how much of the available water we can actually get to the crops and whether the excess can be reused.
- We need to quantify the economic losses associated with each cubic meter of water that is not used efficiently.
- We need to plan how much land can be irrigated if the available water is used effectively.
- We need to create a budget that indicates whether the irrigation is economically and technically sustainable.
Other factors to consider in irrigation systems:
- Soil type. Clay soil requires different irrigation than sandy or silty soil. Soil texture influences the amount of water and air retained.
- Climate. Warm climates increase evaporation and require more water.
- Crop type. Pay special attention to crops sensitive to waterlogging and their phenology. Transpiration is also affected.
- Crop root system. The wetting zone varies depending on root depth and therefore the amount of irrigation required.
- Terrain topography. Slope and crop density.
- Area to be irrigated.
The diagram shows how irrigation water settles depending on the soil type, influencing the plant’s root system and absorption.
Advantages of Improved Irrigation Design Efficiency
- Saving water as a shared resource.
- Ensuring that the greatest number of irrigators manage the available water.
- Achieving the participation of all irrigators in efficient water management.
- Maintaining facilities, basins, and ditches in good condition to prevent water loss and ensure a greater supply.
- Promoting environmental awareness from all sectors, taking care to prevent salt accumulation due to over-irrigation and valuing natural resources.
- Carefully promoting crop quality and yield.
- Considering whether nighttime or daytime irrigation is more suitable, depending on the time of year. In summer, nighttime irrigation is preferable due to evaporation.
- Reducing the water footprint through responsible water use.
Controlled Irrigation System Diagram. 1-Rainfall. 2-Absorption. 3-Irrigation. 4-Evaporation. 5-Transpiration. 6-Humidity and Temperature Sensor. 7-Hub/Receiver. 8-Root System. 9-Soil Wetness. 10-Sensor Depth. 11-Soil Permeation. 12-Permeation Depth.
Irrigation Systems with Humidity Sensors
After seeing the advantages of having a good irrigation system, the best way to optimize it is to install wireless humidity sensors like those offered by Plantae.
The probes we offer can control the system in terms of both flow rate and the crop’s irrigation needs.
No more guesswork. We can monitor subsurface moisture, temperature, and conductivity.
If we add pH control to the water, we can achieve perfect irrigation.
Solar-powered anemometer and weather station on a vineyard
Water characteristics in agricultural irrigation systems
We must know the characteristics of the water we have available, both in quantity and quality.
Regarding quantity, we should contact the river basin authority for information, as well as a reputable installer to confirm the availability of our water source.
Other options include water wells, rainwater harvesting, or irrigation canals.
As for quality, the best approach is to send a sample of the available water to a laboratory for analysis. They will then issue an analysis report and an explanation of the results.
Types of water
- Hardness.
- Salinity.
- pH.
- Alkalinity.
- The ratio of sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
Plantae sensors help you monitor the moisture and conductivity of your pastures or crops.
In the following links you can find all the irrigation systems for agriculture or gardening, their advantages and disadvantages.
Parameters to consider for a good irrigation system.
Avoid salt buildup and don’t waste a single drop of water.
Agricultural Irrigation Water – Parameters to Consider – Salt Buildup – (II)
Surface Irrigation
Water is distributed over the ground using gravity. It is one of the oldest and most economical methods, although it can waste water.
Furrow Irrigation – (Best for meadows) – Types of Surface Irrigation – (III)
Furrow Irrigation – BEST for vegetables – Types of Surface Irrigation (IV)
Sprinkler Irrigation
Water is applied in the form of rain using sprinklers. It is widely used in large-scale crops and gardens.
Sprinkler Irrigation – THE BEST pressurized or automated irrigation system WITH SENSORS – (V)
Drip Irrigation
Delivers water directly to the roots through tubes and emitters. It is one of the most efficient systems because it saves water and reduces losses.
Subsurface Irrigation
Water circulates through buried pipes that hydrate the soil from below. It reduces evaporation and improves water use efficiency.
Drip Irrigation – Best Controlled with Probes, Surface or Buried – (VI)
Hydroponic Irrigation – Best with Probes (Smart Sensors) (VII)
Advantages and Disadvantages of Irrigating Day or Night
In the following link you can find information on the advantages and disadvantages of irrigating day or night:
Night Irrigation or Day Irrigation – Factors that Influence and Favor the Crop
Optimized Irrigation in Spain and Other Countries
Irrigation with Plantae Sensors/Probes Throughout the Iberian Peninsula – (100% Optimal)
You can find more information at: Agricultural Sensors/Probes
We develop optimized irrigation systems for all types of crops, in our pursuit of smart irrigation and precision agriculture in Spain and other countries.
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