Are you venturing into crop farming? Several factors will determine your crop farming's success. For instance, crops require a certain amount of water to do well. However, if you live in a region that receives inadequate rainfall, you will need to plan to irrigate, especially during the dryer months. Irrigation will also come in handy if the soil in your area has high salinity levels. It will help you control the salinity and improve the health of your crops.

However, several agricultural irrigation systems exist. And it's imperative that you do some research to make an informed decision on the right system to install. With that in mind, here are a few critical things to consider before installing your agricultural irrigation system.

Soil Type

The soil type in your area can significantly impact your choice of irrigation system. Soils have varying water retention capacities. Therefore, some soils will require more frequent water applications at higher rates to maintain the right amount of moisture for your crops' roots. Sandy soils are an example of such soils.

It's also worth noting that not all soils are irrigable. Some are conditional, meaning they have some restrictions regarding irrigation, while others have severe irrigation restrictions and are considered non-irrigable. Therefore, it may be best to work with an agricultural or soil expert to determine if your soils are irrigable and the approaches to take if they aren't.

Water Supply

Water supply is at the core of your agricultural irrigation system. Therefore, once you determine that your soils are irrigable, the next critical step is to identify your water source. You may need a permit in some instances. For instance, a permit may be necessary if you plan to construct a well for your irrigation needs. A water permit may also be a requirement if you intend to capture the water from surface sources like ponds, rivers, or lakes. However, these requirements may vary depending on your location, so it's best to check with your local council first. It's also crucial to find out if you will have sufficient water supply during the summer months if you plan to get your water from surface water sources, especially ponds or rivers.

Climate

The climate or local weather patterns can also significantly impact your selection of an agricultural system. For instance, if you experience high winds, a sprinkler irrigation system won't be the best option. Disturbance from the winds will impact the amount of water reaching your plants' roots. Similarly, high-heat environments won't work well with sprinkler systems because you'll lose a significant amount of water to evaporation. For such areas, go for drip irrigation systems instead.

For more information about irrigation installation, contact a local company.