Irrigation machines — features, types, selection criteria

Irrigation machines are widely used in various areas of agriculture and landscape design. Here are the main areas of their use:

Agriculture:

• Vegetable growing: for growing vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, cabbage and others.
• Grain Crops: Wheat, corn, rice and other grains require regular irrigation to ensure good yields.
• Orchards and Vineyards: Sprinklers help maintain the right level of humidity for fruit trees and grape vines.
• Legumes and oilseeds: soybeans, sunflowers and other crops require regular irrigation.
• Hay crops: Alfalfa and other forage grasses require regular watering to ensure high yields.

Animal husbandry:

• Pastures: to provide sufficient forage for livestock.
• Farms: watering of areas used for keeping and walking animals.

Landscape design and urban greening:

• Parks and squares: maintaining green spaces in good condition.
• Lawns and sports grounds: for watering lawns on football pitches, golf courses and other sports facilities.
• Public areas: irrigation of green areas in cities and towns.

Irrigated agriculture in drylands:

• Desert and semi-desert regions: use of sprinkler machines to create irrigated areas in areas with insufficient natural moisture.

Specialized areas:

• Seedlings and nurseries: irrigation of greenhouses and nurseries for growing seedlings and ornamental plants.
• Greenhouse farming: maintaining optimal humidity levels inside greenhouses.

The use of irrigation machines can significantly increase the efficiency of water resource use, improve crop yields and maintain green spaces in urban areas.

Criteria for choosing irrigation machines

Type of crop and field area:

• Different crops require different levels of irrigation. For example, vegetables may require more intensive irrigation than grain crops.
• The size and shape of the field also influences the choice of the type of sprinkler. For example, center-pivot systems are suitable for large round fields, while boom or mobile systems are suitable for small or irregularly shaped fields.

Climate conditions:

• The level of precipitation and temperature in the region play an important role. In dry areas, more intensive and regular irrigation is necessary.
• Wind conditions can affect the uniformity of water distribution. Wind-resistant systems may be preferable.

Availability of water resources:

• Quantity and quality of available water. If water resources are limited, it is important to choose systems with high water efficiency.
• Water pressure and the availability of water sources (wells, rivers, reservoirs) are also important for selecting the appropriate equipment.

Soil type:

• Sandy, clayey and loamy soils have different water permeability and holding capacity. This affects the choice of intensity and frequency of irrigation.
• Irrigation systems must be adapted to the specific soil characteristics of the field.

Economic aspects:

• Equipment and installation costs: Some systems may require significant initial investment.
• Operating costs including water, energy and maintenance costs.

Technical characteristics and reliability:

• Productivity and efficiency of the system. For example, how evenly water is distributed across the field.
• Reliability and durability of equipment. It is important to consider the quality of materials and design.

automation and control:

• The ability to automate the irrigation process, which can reduce labor costs and improve the accuracy of watering.
• Availability of remote control and monitoring systems.

Flexibility and scalability:

• The ability to adapt the system to changing conditions and requirements. For example, the ability to expand the system when the field area increases.

Environmental aspects:

• Environmental Impact: Select systems that minimize water loss and prevent soil erosion.

Taking these criteria into account, you can select a sprinkler machine that best suits the specific conditions and requirements of the farm.