Considering Irrigation for Your Farm?
Posted: | Author: Travis Stephens
Whether you’re new to farming or circling back around for an alternate or replacement irrigation system for your crops, it can be confusing and overwhelming to weed through all the options and requirements specific to your land and crop. UGA Extension has a great article and system break down to consider when weighing your options. To see the detailed article, use the link below and happy irrigating!
Factors to Consider in Selecting a Farm Irrigation System (B 882)
Previously prepared by Kerry Harrison, Extension Engineer
Revised by Wesley M. Porter and Calvin Perry, Extension Irrigation Specialists
“The majority of agricultural irrigation systems in Georgia fit into one of two broad categories: sprinkler irrigation and micro-irrigation. Sprinkler irrigation systems include center pivot, linear move, traveling gun, permanent set, and solid set. Micro-irrigation systems include drip (or trickle) irrigation and micro-sprinklers.
No one system is best for every application. Once you decide to install an irrigation system, you must consider several important factors before deciding which system is best for your situation. These factors include:
- crop
- fuel cost and availability
- initial cost
- labor requirements
- size and shape of field
- water source
In some situations, there may be additional considerations such as whether you own the land or are leasing. You may also own some equipment, such as a well or pumping unit, and wish to adapt the system to this existing equipment. This publication is intended primarily for the farmer who has made the decision to irrigate and is in the process of deciding what type system will best fit into his or her operation…”
READ MORE from UGA Extension