Agriculture is a complicated business; in many respects you are dependent on the weather to ensure your crops grow successfully. However, while you may not be able to control the rainfall, amount of sun or even the storms you can ensure your crops have enough water and nutrients.
Nutrients can be ploughed into the field before planting but they can also be added to the water allowing you to feed and water your crops efficiently though an irrigation system.
However, for the irrigation system to work effectively you’ll need a pump; the question is which pump or pumps do you need for your agriculture business?
Understanding Dewatering Pumps
You will need one or more dewatering pumps. Any pump which removes water from a construction site, surface water from the ground or even water out of a mine shaft is known as a dewatering pump. In essence it is removing the water from one place and directing it elsewhere.
This is one pump that is often overlooked in an agricultural environment but is actually essential.
Your standard pump will run an irrigation system; pumping water through pipes and allowing it to spray on your crop when there has not been much rain.
But, what happens when there has been too much rain? The ground becomes sodden and rivers can burst their banks. This can actually cause your crop to drown.
To prevent this you’ll need a good quality dewatering pump; it should quickly and effectively remove excess water and allow your crops the chance to grow; even in bad weather.
The Centrifugal Pump
The centrifugal pump pushes water outwards, using centrifugal force. This type of pump as very few moving parts which helps to ensure it is reliable in all situations. As reliability is an important criteria when choosing agricultural pumps this is an excellent choice for your irrigation system.
These pumps work best when installed level with or below the water level; they will then propel the water through your pipes and onto your fields to water your crops.
Flow Rates
It is important to consider the flow rate before you choose the right pump for your agricultural needs. The flow rate dictates how much water can be passed through the pump ad onto your crops.
However you need to consider the amount of water that needs to reach your plants and the gradient the water needs to be moved up. The greater the gradient the more powerful and the higher the water flow the um will need to have; this is the only way to ensure the right amount of water gets where you need it to be.
Go Solar
It is worth considering the power source for your pumps. In the past a diesel pump was the only really viable option for an agricultural setting. However technology has advanced hugely in recent years and it is now possible to purchase solar panels surprisingly cheaply. Couple these with batteries and transformers and you can have a reliable source of power to run virtually any pump. This is an option that should be considered before you commit to your next pump.