What Is Pivot Irrigation and How Does It Work?
Pivot irrigation, also known as centre pivot irrigation, is a method widely used by farmers to efficiently water crops in large, open fields. It’s a mechanized system that makes irrigation more precise and easier to manage, saving time and water while increasing crop yields. If you’ve ever seen a circular pattern of crops in aerial photos of farmland, you’ve likely observed a centre-pivot irrigation system in action.
In this blog, we’ll break down what pivot irrigation is, how it works, and why it’s so effective in boosting crop yields.
What Is Pivot Irrigation?
Pivot irrigation refers to a method of watering crops using a large sprinkler system that rotates around a central pivot point. This type of system waters the field in a circular pattern, which is why fields that use pivot irrigation often have a distinctive circular shape.
When we talk about centre pivot irrigation, we’re essentially talking about the same system. The term “centre[1] [2] pivot” refers to the fact that the sprinkler system rotates around a fixed central point, distributing water evenly over the field as it moves. Both pivot and centre pivot irrigation describe the same method, and they are often used interchangeably in farming.
How Does Pivot Irrigation Work?
At its core, pivot irrigation is a simple but highly effective system that uses a series of sprinklers mounted on a long pipe. This pipe is connected to a central pivot, which supplies the water. The system is supported by towers on wheels that allow the sprinklers to move in a circular pattern, watering the crops as they go.
Here’s how it works step by step:
1. Water Source: The water for the system typically comes from a well, reservoir, or other water supply and is pumped to the central pivot point. From there, it is distributed through the main pipe that extends outward.
2. Sprinkler System: The pipe, often hundreds of feet long, is equipped with sprinklers placed at intervals. These sprinklers spray water down onto the crops below as the system moves in a circle around the field.
3. Rotation: The system rotates around the central pivot point in a circular path. Depending on the size of the field and the system's settings, the rotation can take hours, or up to a full day, to complete.
4. Control Systems: Many pivot irrigation systems come with automated controls that allow farmers to regulate the amount of water being applied, the speed of rotation, and even when the system turns on or off. This automation makes the process more efficient and less labour-intensive.
5. Precision Application: Modern centre pivot systems often include sensors and other technologies that monitor soil moisture levels, weather conditions, and crop needs, allowing for more precise water application. This reduces water waste and ensures crops receive just the right amount of moisture for optimal growth.
How Pivot Irrigation Increases Yield in a Variety of Crops
Pivot irrigation is known for its ability to increase crop yields in a wide range of agricultural settings. Here's how it impacts crop growth and improves productivity:
Consistent Watering: One of the main benefits of pivot irrigation is that it delivers water evenly across the entire field. Consistent moisture is critical for healthy crop growth, and centre-pivot irrigation ensures that each plant gets the same amount of water. This even distribution helps avoid under-watering or over-watering, both of which can stunt growth or damage crops.
Efficient Water Use: Water is a valuable resource, and using it efficiently is essential for farmers. Pivot irrigation systems allow farmers to use water more effectively by delivering it directly to the crops in a controlled manner. This minimizes water loss due to evaporation, runoff, or misapplication. For farmers in areas with limited water supplies, this system can be a game-changer in maintaining productivity.
Adaptability to Different Crops: Whether you’re growing potatoes, blueberries, corn, soybeans, wheat, or even vegetables, centre pivot irrigation can be customized to meet the specific water needs of each type of crop. The system’s flexibility allows farmers to adjust water flow, sprinkler types, and rotation speed based on the crop they’re growing, making it a versatile tool for many types of agriculture.
Reduced Labour Costs: Since pivot irrigation is an automated system, it significantly reduces the amount of manual labour required to water crops. Farmers no longer need to move hoses or sprinklers by hand, saving both time and money. The automation also allows farmers to monitor and control the system remotely, freeing up time for other important tasks.
Improved Crop Health: Healthy crops lead to higher yields. By providing crops with consistent and adequate water, centre pivot irrigation systems help improve plant health and reduce stress on the crops. This leads to better growth, fewer diseases, and ultimately, higher yields.
Why Pivot Irrigation Is Popular Among Farmers
Farmers, landscapers, and commercial operators appreciate the efficiency and reliability that pivot irrigation brings to their operations. Here are some reasons why this system is widely used:
Scalability: Pivot irrigation systems can be scaled to fit both small and large fields. Whether you’re watering a few acres or hundreds, the system can be customized to meet your needs.
Automation and Control: The ability to automate and remotely control the system makes it easier to manage large-scale operations. Farmers can program the system to water at specific times, adjust water flow rates, and monitor the system’s performance with minimal effort.
Sustainability: Efficient water use is a top priority for many farmers, especially in regions where water is scarce. Pivot irrigation helps reduce water waste, making it an eco-friendly choice for sustainable farming practices.
Need guidance for your sprinkler system? Vanden Bussche can help. Contact us and our experts can answer all your questions! https://vandenbussche.com/contact-us