More and more farmers worldwide are choosing to use pivot and linear irrigation systems for irrigating tall-growing crops, to ensure the lush growth of citrus and other fruit trees, bananas, nut trees, olive groves, coffee, nursery plants, etc.

The Benefits of pivot and linear irrigation

Pivot or linear irrigation of trees enables the directing of the water, either at the foliage of the trees or below the crown, on a localized basis. In this way, the area of ​​the ground above the roots is irrigated, in order to maximize growth and development and to minimize the spreading of weeds and the risk of diseases.

When compared to the use of mechanized irrigation systems the cost per hectare is much less than the cost of using other irrigation methods, such as traditional sprinkling, micro-sprinkling or drip irrigation.

The maximum height between the ground and the lower part of the structure of a pivot system may be the exact height to pass cleanly over any tree crop. 

The water requirements of the crops are always the same, regardless of the irrigation method employed. However, as the efficiency of mechanized irrigation is greater than that of other irrigation methods, total water consumption may be lower, as there is less waste.

Using this method fertilizer or pesticides may be injected directly into the main piping of the system, enabling close monitoring of the application of these products.

With micro-sprinkler or drip-irrigation systems, it is necessary to have a costly, often problematic filtration system, while in the case of pivot irrigation a mere filter is necessary.

The outlet nozzles of pivot and linear irrigation systems do not require high pressure. For a 40-hectare field and a flowrate of 60 lts / sec, the pressure of two atmospheres is sufficient.

This new concept also allows for the integration of orchard and vineyard irrigation into existing irrigation systems on the property. This means that the infrastructure used to irrigate in these areas can be moved and used throughout the property. This significantly reduces capital expenditure when designing and installing irrigation systems.

Planting for Pivot and Linear Irrigation

Traditional planting of trees in rows will continue to work when irrigating with a linear machine. However, if using a hippodrome style linear that is able to pivot automatically at the end of a run it may be worth considering planting this area in a half-circle to maximize your irrigated crop. However, if this is not an option the machine can be set to pause watering during this turn.

Pivot irrigation of trees means that the trees will need to be planted in concentric circles. The pivot system may be installed prior to planting and may be used to make marks in the ground, leaving guidelines with the exact distance between the rows of tree crops.

In the case of square plots of land, a center pivot system enables the irrigation of 70% -80% of the surface area. Less economical irrigation methods may be used for the corners, but even in this case, the combination presents a much lower cost.