Optimal Irrigation Setup for Farmers.

If you’re planning to set up a new berry or cucumber farm or expand your existing operation, one of the most crucial elements you’ll need to consider is water. Blueberries, raspberries and cucumbers are particularly sensitive to water availability and quality, so getting your irrigation system right is essential to ensuring healthy growth, high yields, and the overall success of your farm. 

In this blog, we will walk you through the top five irrigation considerations when planning and setting up a consistent water supply for a new crop farm, covering everything from water catchment to irrigation design.

1.Water Catchment: Where is your water coming from?

The first step in establishing a reliable water supply for your farm is determining the source of your water. Common sources include bores, rivers, dams and/or stored rainwater. However, each source comes with its own set of challenges, so understanding where your water will come from is essential.

Key Considerations:

• Consistency: Is the water source reliable year-round, or will it be impacted by seasonal changes?
• Availability: Do you have enough water to meet your farm’s demands, especially during dry spells or peak growing periods?
• Regulations: Be aware of local water usage regulations or restrictions, especially if you rely on surface water or a shared source.

If you’re relying on rain or groundwater collection, make sure you have an efficient storage system. North Coast Power + Water offers large poly and steel tanks that can help you store water for dry periods, ensuring you always have an adequate supply. 

2. Choosing the Right Pump: Size, flow rate, and pressure

Once you’ve secured your water source, the next step is selecting the appropriate pump to deliver water to your crops. Pumps are the heart of your irrigation system, and selecting the right one is crucial for maintaining consistent water flow at the right pressure.

Key Considerations:

• Flow Rate: This is how much water the pump can move per minute (measured in gallons or litres per minute). The flow rate must be sufficient to meet your irrigation needs during peak periods, when crop demand is highest.
• Pressure: The right pressure is needed to distribute water evenly across your entire farm. Both blueberry and raspberry plants are typically watered through drip or sprinkler systems, which require specific pressure levels to function properly.
• Pump Type: For most berry farms, centrifugal pumps are the most common, but the best choice will depend on your farm’s layout, water source, and required flow.

At North Coast Power + Water, we can help farmers choose the right pump based on their specific requirements. Our certified irrigation designer can assist you in calculating flow rates and selecting pumps that match your farm’s needs, ensuring optimal irrigation performance.

3. Water Filtration: Ensuring clean water for your crops

Berries are particularly sensitive to water quality.  Poor water quality, such as high mineral content or organic debris, can damage both plants and irrigation equipment. Choosing the right filtration system will ensure that the water delivered to your crops is clean and free from contaminants.

Types of Filtration Systems:

• Basic (Good): A simple mesh or screen filter that can remove large particles from the water. Suitable for clean water sources with minimal debris.
• Intermediate (Better): Sand or gravel filters which are good for removing finer particles. These filters are often used in combination with mesh filters.
• Advanced (Best): A combination of sediment filters, carbon filters, and UV sterilisation, ideal for water sources with higher levels of contamination.

Choosing the right filtration system will depend on your water source and the quality of the water you’re starting with. For bore water, basic filtration may suffice, but for surface water, a more robust system will likely be required.

4. Planning Your Pipe Layout: Maximising irrigation efficiency

Once you’ve secured your water supply, pump, and filtration system, it’s time to design your irrigation system’s layout. The key here is ensuring an efficient and reliable water delivery system.

Key Considerations:

• Farm Size + Shape: The layout of your farm will affect how you design your irrigation lines. 
• Elevation: Water naturally flows downhill, so elevation of your farm impacts how you plan the pipe layout to maintain good water pressure.
• Water Distribution: Whether you choose drip irrigation or sprinklers, you need to ensure that each plant gets consistent water. Poor distribution can lead to over- or under-watering.

For the best results, we recommend consulting a certified irrigation designer to create a tailored system. Experts can account for soil type, farm slope, water availability, and crop requirements to ensure you get the most efficient system for your farm.

5. Custom Farm Irrigation Packages

Setting up a comprehensive irrigation system is a significant investment. To ensure you’re getting the best value, we offer custom farm set-up packages, which includes everything from water catchment advice to pump selection, filtration systems and pipe layout. We also offer full installation through our preferred installer network and/or advice on self installation.

Why You Need a Tailored Package:

• Optimisation: A customised system takes into account your specific farm size, water source, crop type, and budget.
• Efficiency: A custom design ensures that you’re not over-investing in unnecessary equipment or missing key components.
• Expert Guidance: Working with irrigation experts guarantees that the system is installed correctly and functions optimally, avoiding costly mistakes.

Getting a custom quote allows you to compare options and choose a solution that works best for your farm size and budget. It’s also a great way to ensure that you’re not overlooking any important aspects of your irrigation system.At North Coast Power + Water, we offer personalised quotes based on your farm’s needs. Our team, led by certified irrigation designer Andrew, can guide you through every step, ensuring your irrigation system is both cost-effective and efficient.

In summary: Ensuring a successful irrigation setup for your berry farm

Setting up a reliable water supply for your berry farm is one of the most important steps in ensuring healthy plants and a successful harvest. From water catchment and pump selection to filtration systems and pipe layout, each step plays a crucial role in delivering the water your crops need.

By taking the time to plan your irrigation system carefully and consulting with experts, you’ll create a setup that’s efficient, sustainable, and suited to your farm’s unique requirements.For more information or to get a custom quote, reach out to North Coast Power + Water for expert advice and solutions tailored to your farm’s needs. Simply call 02 6651 4333 or contact us to book your free farm irrigation consultation with our specialist irrigation expert today.