As a farmer, you understand the importance of regulating and streamlining your responsibilities as much as possible. Fortunately, irrigation systems make it easy to ensure your crops and produce are adequately hydrated at all times. Before you move forward with system installation, make sure you select the right type. This guide details what to keep in mind when making this decision.

What Should You Consider When Selecting an Irrigation System?

1. Water Source

The type of water and where it comes from will dictate the kind of features your irrigation system needs to have. For example, if your water source contains dangerous sediments or chemicals and requires clarification, get a smart drip irrigation system. This option will effectively filter the supply before distributing it to your crops. On the other hand, if your water comes from a natural source, like a nearby pond, a sprinkler irrigation system will suffice.

2. Soil Type

Ensuring your soil gets the right amount of water is crucial to protecting your crops. While smart irrigation systems offer the advantage of allowing you to set an automatic schedule, you’ll need to consider the fountain heads to choose the right one for your needs.

For example, a drip irrigation system is ideal if you utilize sandy soil on your farm—this material doesn’t absorb much water, which accommodates the slow-moving supply a drip system would provide. If your crops use absorbent clay soils, a spray system is the better choice because it’ll require less water to saturate the material.

3. Weather

If your farm is in an area that experiences a lot of high winds or consistently hot temperatures, drip irrigation will minimize water loss. Farms in dry climates should opt for a soaking system to ensure their soils don’t dry out.

If you need help selecting an irrigation system for your farm, turn to the professionals at SR Hawaii. This family-owned and -operated company has over 30 years of experience helping clients across Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands maintain healthy crops. Learn more about their agricultural services online, or call (808) 651-0691 to discuss your irrigation needs with a team member.