Irrigation machine for watering wheat

Types of irrigation machines for watering wheat

Irrigation machines are used in agriculture to provide water to crops in a controlled and efficient manner. Several types are commonly used for large-scale wheat irrigation.

• Centre pivot irrigation machine for wheat

The centre pivot irrigation machine is the most widely used irrigation machine in the world. The system is mounted on wheeled towers that move in a circular path around a central point (pivot), watering a clear circular area. This method efficiently uses water resources, reduces labor, and has become the standard for large-scale wheat irrigation. The system supplies a specific amount of water to crops by changing the speed and frequency of rotation. The centre pivot irrigation machine also minimizes the development of diseases in crops by keeping the leaves dry.

• Travelling gun irrigation machine for wheat

The travelling gun irrigation machine, also known as a moving sprinkler, consists of a frame with a mounted water gun that shoots a stream of water. This type of irrigation machine pulls a hose laid on the field, which is connected to a water source, usually a pressurized piping system. The gun travels a specified distance and is set to water a prescribed area. This method is suitable for odd-shaped fields and can be used for multiple crops. The travelling gun irrigation machine can be used to irrigate up to 10 hectares of land and is typically set to irrigate once a week.

• Drip irrigation machine for wheat

The drip irrigation machine is also known as micro or trickle irrigation. It is the most efficient way to water wheat and other crops. Instead of flooding the entire field, the drip irrigation system delivers water to specific plants and soil directly. Water is delivered to the root zone of each crop through plastic tubing with small emitters spaced at regular intervals. The machine can operate on the surface of the field or buried underground. In addition to conserving water, the drip irrigation machine can be used to provide fertilizers and pesticides to each plant, thus enhancing productivity.

Specification and maintenance of irrigation machine for watering wheat

Specification

• Flow Rate:

  The flow rate of an irrigation machine indicates the amount of water it can put out per minute. It usually varies from model to model. For instance, the flow rate of a general center pivot irrigator can be somewhere between 2,500 to 20,000 gallons per hour, depending on the system size and water pressure.

• Coverage Area:

  It refers to the area that an irrigation machine can sprinkle water. It varies with the machine's size and layout. A regular center pivot irrigation machine may cover an area of about 20 to 200 acres.

• Water Pressure:

  Water pressure is a pushing power that an irrigation machine exerts to move water. It is usually measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Different kinds of irrigation have different water pressure requirements. For ring lock portable traveler/ sprinkler Irrigation, the water pressure is usually from 50 to 100 PSI.

Maintenance

The proper maintenance practices for irrigation machines can ensure a healthy and consistent wheat crop and a reliable and efficient irrigation system.

• Regular inspections:

  Irrigation machines should be checked frequently to ensure they are in good working order. Routine checks can discover potential problems, such as leaks, clogs, or damaged parts, early on so they can be repaired promptly. Regular inspections can also ensure the machine is appropriately calibrated and functioning at optimal levels.

• Clean water source:

  The water sources for irrigation must be kept clean to avoid the entry of contaminants into the irrigation system. This may involve removing debris and algae from the water source and ensuring that the water quality is suitable for irrigation purposes. Maintaining a clean water source can protect both the irrigation machine and the crops being irrigated.

• Clean the irrigation machine:

  Cleaning the irrigation machine is important for its maintenance. It can remove accumulated sediment, mineral deposits, and debris that can negatively impact the machine's performance. Proper cleaning techniques can help prevent clogging of nozzles and improve water distribution efficiency.

• Check and maintain pump:

  Pumps play a crucial role in the functioning of irrigation machines. Regular inspections and maintenance of the pump can ensure it operates smoothly and efficiently. This may include lubrication, adjusting the belt tension, and checking for any signs of wear or damage. Keeping the pump in good condition can prevent disruptions in the irrigation process.

• Monitor water flow:

  Water flow from the irrigation machine must also be monitored. Regularly monitoring it can notice changes in flow rates or pressure, which may indicate potential issues with the machine. Promptly addressing any identified problems can prevent further damage and maintain the machine's effectiveness in delivering water to the crops.

Scenarios of irrigation machine for watering wheat

The irrigation machines for watering wheat are used for various crops baling irrigated wheat as follows:

• Dryland wheat: Dryland wheat is a rainfed crop so that farmers will use the rainfall rather than an irrigation system to grow the dryland wheat. However, dryland crops can be irrigated with supplementary irrigation in some seasons when rainfall isn't sufficient for development or during dry spells, especially during the critical periods of the crop's growth.
• Terminal drought: In terminal drought situations where very little or no rain falls during the crop season, dryland wheat relies entirely on the soil's moisture at planting, which is often exhausted by the crop's reproductive stage. This yields that dryland wheat is much lower than irrigated wheat. Under these conditions, farmers often use irrigation for a few crops, and irrigation machines for wheat have the potential to increase dryland wheat's productivity.
• Increased yield: Irrigated wheat generally produces much higher yields than dryland wheat. Farmers use different irrigation techniques according to their economic conditions and crop requirements, saving irrigation machines.

In Pakistan, for example, about 900 million acre-feet of irrigation water annually is used to irrigate about 22 million acres of irrigated land, 45% of the irrigated land in the country. The majority of the irrigated land is used to grow rice and wheat crops. Around four million acres, 18% of the irrigated area, is cultivated with wheat, often irrigated with tube wells, sprinklers, and drips. The irrigation machines for watering wheat used in the wheatfields are:

• Centre pivot: Centre pivots are often used where the terrain is level, and computer-controlled irrigation wheels move around a central point, covering a circular field. The centre pivot is equipped with a water pump, gearbox, sprinkler, swivel, drive unit, axle, control system, tower, and swing arm. The technology is extremely efficient, using about 1.5 to 3.5 kilowatts per acre per season. When completely rotated, the efficiency reduces the amount of water and electricity used. Also, a centre pivot may use a low-pressure drag sprayer to reduce the energy needs further. In recent years, under pressure from the government's anti-terrorism effort to reduce irrigation energy demand, centre pivots have been changing to use linear moves where the electric drive moves the entire sprinkling unit along a track in an energy-efficiency under."
• Boundary irrigation: Boundary irrigation aims to use the natural slope of the field to create basins or channels that direct water to wet a larger portion of the field. With this method, farmers have used low head furrows with smaller channels and slope irrigation with larger channels to direct water to where crops are growing. Slope irrigation has reduced run-off than furrows in some areas. Basin irrigation is often used if the soil allows it to create basins to flood a larger area."
• Furrow irrigation: Here, narrow channels or drains are made along the slope of the field, and water runs down these channels to wet the soil areas in between. Generally, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and sub-surface irrigation allow water to reach the root zone of the crop by wetting the soil uniformly."

How to choose irrigation machines for watering wheat

• Irrigation goals and wheat type:

  Understand the business's irrigation goals and the specific type of wheat. This helps select machines that match soil and crop requirements for adequate irrigation.

• Field size and layout:

  Select machines with coverage and flexibility to suit the field size and layout. Consider fixed systems likePivot irrigation for large rectangular fields. Mobile machines are suitable for smaller, irregular-shaped fields.

• Budget:

  Consider the initial purchase cost, ongoing operating expenses, and potential cost savings from efficient irrigation. Choose a machine that provides long-term value within the budget constraints.

• Technology:

  Modern irrigation machines offer advanced technologies like automated scheduling, soil moisture sensing, and remote monitoring. These technologies can enhance irrigation efficiency, reduce labor requirements, and improve crop management.

• Environmental impact:

  Consider the environmental impact of irrigation practice. Look for energy-efficient machines that conserve water and minimize the risk of soil salinization or other negative environmental effects.

Q&A

Q1: Are there any advanced irrigation machines for large wheat fields?

A1: Yes, for large fields, pivot irrigation machines are good. They have a long beam that rotates while sprinkling water. Another choice is snowflake irrigation machines, which lay out water in circular patterns. Both work quickly and efficiently for big farming areas.

Q2: How can farmers pick the best irrigation machine for their wheat crop?

A2: To choose the right irrigation machine, farmers should first consider their wheat watering needs and how much water pressure is required. Next, they should think about the size of their field and the amount of money they can spend. Farmers should also consider if the irrigation machine will consume a lot of energy and what repairs and maintenance will be needed. It's important to choose a machine that won't waste water.

Q3: What are the latest improvements in irrigation machines for wheat?

A3: The newest irrigation machines now have systems that cut water use by detecting how dry the soil is. Also, machines with sprinklers that modify their spray patterns are becoming popular. These allow more uniform irrigation. Finally, some machines have direct remote controls for easier and more accurate irrigation management.

Q4: How long should an irrigation machine water wheat fields each day?

A4: Usually, irrigated wheat needs about 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the growing season. This amount equals about 30 to 60 minutes of machine watering per day. However, the exact daily watering time may vary depending on field conditions, temperatures, humidity, and how well the soil retains moisture.