Centre Pivot Irrigation Ideal In Water Scarce Environment
In a water scarce farming environment like often the reality in South Africa and many other parts of the African continent, water management for farmers is one of the most important aspects of their farming operations. Although certain parts of the continent traditionally receive abundant seasonal rainfall, the reality of climate change resulting in more erratic rainfall patterns is also driving the need to ensure more optimal use of our water resources all round.
Centre pivot irrigation systems have been proven to be one of the most effective ways of irrigation, especially for medium to large sized tracts of land and even more so when using top range ultra-low pressure sprinkler packages. This type of irrigation is more cost-effective than sprinkler systems, travelling guns or micro irrigation systems and demands less labour input. Under the present circumstances with the war in Ukraine still raging on and pushing up prices of fuel, fertilizer and chemicals needed for farming, saving on labour and maintenance costs are some of the ways a farmer can cut on input cost.
A water shortage at critical times has a major influence on the loss of yield of the various crops. This is dependent on the type of crop and the growth stage of the plants but can be disastrous to the total expected crop yield.
“As with most aspects of farming, management of water resources through the implementation of centre pivot irrigation systems fitted as standard with top range sprinkler systems is crucial to the optimum usage of the system and the water it supplies to crops,” says Theuns Dreyer, Managing Director of Senter 360.
“Together with an in-depth knowledge of the various soil types on his farm and the type of crop cultivated, the farm manager can ensure that not only his crops do not wither, but with careful irrigation planning can also increase the yield per hectare of production. Precision farming, which includes the careful management of irrigation projects, is the best way for farmers to optimise yield. It can also save up to 50% in water and electricity expenses.”
Adding to the advantages of centre pivot irrigation and their economical operation, is that technological advances in this industry now makes it possible for the farmer to manage his pivot systems remotely from his mobile phone or computer from anywhere in the world. Again, saving on labour costs and time the farmer can set and change irrigation sequences as he wishes. This emphasises the usefulness of these systems, providing peace of mind and significant cost savings to farmers.
For more information about Senter 360 centre pivot irrigation solutions, contact Theuns Dreyer on telephone number: +27(0) 18 469 1331, or email: theuns@senter360.co.za
Webpage: http://www.senter360.co.za/
