HOW TO CHOOSE AN AGRICULTURAL PUMP

Agricultural pumps are essential for increasing efficiency in farming and reducing the workforce needed. In most cases, they pump water from a low to a higher level then the water flows through channels in the irrigation system to the farm. Your agricultural pump can make or break your irrigation efforts; therefore, choosing the right one for your specific needs is crucial.

The agricultural pump you choose should be able to meet the required pressure to spray the field via sprinkling or piping system. Note that some pumps are not equipped with variable speed drives. Therefore you can control the flow rate by switching the pumps on and off, pre-swirl control, rotational speed, impeller blade pitch adjustment, or using a throttling valve in the discharge system.

With that in mind, here are the critical evaluations to make when choosing an agricultural pump at PumpBiz.

Types of crops

Although some agricultural pumps are versatile, it is essential to consider the crops you tend to grow on your farm to choose the best pump for the application.

For instance, sprinklers and drip irrigation systems are quite an investment suitable for high-value crops, including vegetables, fruits, and orchard crops. On the other hand, you may need a different irrigation system for crops such as beans and wheat.

Therefore you should consider the type of crops to choose an agricultural pump compatible with the existing irrigation system.

Water quality

Know the water quality you intend to use for irrigation before choosing a pump. Keep in mind that all Drip irrigation systems require water filtration to keep the debris from clogging the tiny holes. On the other hand, sprinklers do not require filtration. Depending on your irrigation source, chlorine injection may be necessary to clear the debris and keep it from clogging your irrigation pump.

Land topography

Land topography also matters in agricultural pump selection. A hilly or slopy farm can be a challenge for irrigation. In most cases, a drip irrigation system works perfectly when the laterals can run along topographic lines. Otherwise, you may need to adjust the pump run times to prevent water runoffs frequently. Travelers and center pivot irrigation systems are not suitable for hilly and sloppy lands.

Soil type

The soil type impacts the choice of an agricultural pump and the run times. For instance, sandy soils will require frequent run times of the irrigation pump at a high rate to retain the moisture in the root system. Therefore you need a highly efficient pump.

In contrast, clay soil holds moisture longer and may require an irrigation system that runs at a lower rate to prevent runoff. Therefore you should evaluate your soil type to choose an irrigation pump that complements it.

Weather patterns in the area

The local weather pattern also impacts your choice of an agricultural pump. In most cases, sprinklers are unsuitable for windy areas and places with high humidity because the water loss is high thanks to increased evaporation. However, a drip irrigation system may work well for such a system.