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A mobile irrigation system allows farmers and gardeners to move the irrigation mechanism from one crops or garden area to the other with ease. These portable irrigation options are excellent for crops that require periodic or infrequent irrigation and work well in uneven terrain. Below are some types of mobile farm irrigation systems:
Traveling Irrigation Guns
Irrigation guns with a travelling hose reel pull the hose back to the water source using the reel or by itself. The gun shoots a large water stream and irrigates a wide area; it could be dragged with a vehicle or by itself. Another name for traveling irrigation guns is reversed selective sprinkler irrigation. It works best for farms with rows of crops like corn, beans, or fruit orchards.
Wheeled Portable Sprinkler
A wheeled portable sprinkler system uses a wheeled cart fitted with a sprinkler. It works by moving the sprinkler wheel from one crop area to another. Farmers can irrigate smaller areas by adjusting the sprinkler's spacing. This system is ideal for small to medium-sized farms with no restrictions to where the sprinkler can be moved to irrigate.
Drip Irrigation on Wheels
Drip irrigation on wheels is a mobile drip irrigation system that requires moving the irrigation setup. It has a thin-walled plastic hose on a spool fitted with drippers placed at regular intervals along the hose. A portable drip irrigation system is most useful in vegetable and nursery farms where precise localized irrigation is necessary. It minimizes water waste and directs water to the plant's root zone.
Flexible Hose with Chariot or Cart
Also known as a mobile irrigation system that may be pulled or pushed, this system moves a flexible hose to a crop area. It can be moved with a chariot or a wheeled cart fitted with a watering nozzle. This set-up is cost-effective and quite simple to set up and use. It is ideal for home vegetable gardens or small farms with no access issues.
Pivot Systems
A portable pivot irrigation system has a central rotating support that comes in different lengths. It can be moved to water a specific circular cropping area. Central point pivot irrigation systems are automated for non-stop irrigation, and they work well for large farms of unequal sized circular fields. The easy automation is great for labor intensive large scale farming, but the system is expensive. It doesn't work for an irregularly shaped farm with no circular planting area.
The specifications of a mobile irrigation system will vary depending on the type and what it is designed to do. It is important to know what the irrigation system is made of so that it can be looked after properly.
Usually, a mobile irrigation system consists of the following parts:
Crop Diversification
A mobile irrigation system is useful for farms growing various crops at different intervals. Such farms may have fields with distinct soil types, topographies, and microclimates that require customized irrigation approaches. A mobile irrigation system provides the flexibility needed to apply tailored irrigation methods, such as changing water volumes or frequencies, which adapt to particular crop and field requirements.
Machinery Cooling
Mobile irrigation systems are often used on farms to cool machinery. Diesel engines, in particular, require frequent cooling to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance. These systems supply a steady stream of water for irrigating crops and essential cooling needs for farm equipment. Proper cooling helps preserve the longevity of irrigation machines and minimizes the risk of unexpected breakdowns during critical irrigation periods.
Multi-Site Operations
A mobile irrigation system is commonly used in agriculture where one farm irrigates multiple sites. This is typical for large-scale farming operations, such as sprawling vegetable or grain fields. The ability to move the irrigation system from one location to another as needed allows for efficient watering of different areas. Productivity can be maximized by ensuring all irrigated regions receive adequate moisture.
Emergency Response
During natural disasters like forest fires or flooding, mobile farm irrigation systems can be valuable. They allow rapid irrigation of critical areas to protect crops and livestock from damage. By providing an immediate water source, these portable irrigation setups help mitigate the negative impacts of extreme weather events on the farm. Quick deployment is essential for safeguarding agricultural production during emergencies.
When choosing a mobile irrigation system for farm use, it is important to carefully consider the most critical elements before making a decision. This is necessary in order to avoid making a choice that may result in low farm productivity or other discontenting effects.
Farm size and shape
One has to consider the size and shape of the farms they want the irrigation system to work on. Consequently, this influences the method of irrigation that one should opt for. For instance, center-pivot irrigation would work well for the circular farmland. On the other hand, mobile lateral systems would be more effective if they irrigated rectangular or square agricultural land.
Crops and water requirements
Different crops have varying water needs, so the mobile irrigation system has to be chosen in such a way that it meets the requirements of the crops that need to be irrigated. Also, varying flexibility and pressure settings are important for different crop types.
Climate and soil conditions
It is important to choose a mobile farm irrigation system that is well suited to the local climate and soil conditions. This is important in order to ensure that the system works well. For instance, in dry climates, a system that has a high level of water efficiency is chosen. Also, systems that can handle sandy or heavy clay soils are selected depending on the type of soil on the farm.
Budget and maintenance costs
While considering the upfront costs of purchasing a mobile irrigation system, it is also important to think about the long-term costs that will be incurred during system maintenance. Here, the decision maker must choose a system whose total cost really works for their farm.
Future expansion possibilities
It is also important to think about possible future expansion. If there is a chance that the farm will expand in size some time in the future, it may be reasonable to get a mobile irrigation system that can easily be scaled up or added to when the farm is expanding.
Q1: How durable is a portable irrigation system?
A durable mobile irrigation system can withstand frequent relocation, various weather conditions, and agricultural activities without compromising its performance or structural integrity.
Q2: Which portable irrigation system is most effective for smaller farms?
Drip irrigation is the most effective portable irrigation system for smaller farms, ensuring efficient water use and minimal evaporation.
Q3: What is the most common use of portable irrigation systems?
The most common use of portable irrigation systems is to provide controlled water supply to crops in agriculture, enhancing growth and yield.
Q4: Can portable irrigation systems be automated for better efficiency?
Yes, portable irrigation systems can be automated for better efficiency, allowing for scheduled watering, precise control, and integration with weather-based adjustments.