Energy Conservation in Irrigation

When it gets hot and dry our plants need water. Irrigation is an excellent tool to ensure consistent yield and quality through dry periods. However, irrigation systems can use large amounts of energy which can be costly, especially as the cost of diesel and electricity rise.

Effective irrigation helps conserve water and can also help reduce your energy costs.

Effective irrigation can be achieved using 4 principles:

• Know the general water requirements of your crop
• Use an irrigation schedule for your operation to determine irrigation volume to apply and frequency of application (based on crop, soil texture and climate)
• Modify your schedule based on current weather (rain and heat)
• Verify your methods by monitoring soil moisture

Effective irrigation means applying only the right amount of water when the plant needs it. This avoids unnecessary water pumping which uses energy and costs money.

For example:
An over application of 1" water over 1 acre costs $10 in energy (to operate a traveller with limited lift and a short distance to field). If you multiply that by the irrigated acres it begins to add up.

Imagine you have a 50 acre farm and you apply 2" of water when the plants only require 1.5". You also irrigated 6 times when you only needed to irrigate 4 times. This means 5" of water were applied unnecessarily. The application of those 5" over 50 acres cost you $2,500! That's enough money to take your spouse on a plane to Hawaii next winter!

Other Energy Conservation Tips

• Irrigate more effectively: avoid irrigation on hot sunny and/or windy days. Try to irrigate at night when you will have minimum evaporation losses
• Only apply the amount of water required for crop growth (excess watering wastes energy and money)
• Check system regularly for leaks and repair immediately

Related Links

• How to Prepare for Irrigation During water Shortages, OMAFRA Factsheet, Order No. 99-023
• Irrigation Management, Best Management Practices

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