Are you a farmer or an investor in the farming business? Perhaps getting the right water pump for your farming needs is challenging. Therefore, you need to be well vast before investing in one.
Irrigation aims at using harvested or river water for agricultural purposes where the conventional rain-fed systems fail. It can be either in dryland areas or in conditions with insufficient rainfall.
Global warming adversities have resulted in to decline in rainfalls and adverse weather changes. As a result, rain-fed agriculture has been unsustainable. It has forced farmers to switch to irrigation agriculture to increase productivity and profitability.
To achieve irrigation goals effectively, you need water pumps to deliver water from the sources to the farms. Water pumps come in different forms, styles, and capacities. Water pumps work under a simple interface.
The interface consists of an inlet, pumping system, and outlet that combine varied pressure levels to deliver water.
Below are some insights on selecting the right water pump for your needs;
Inlet size
Water pumps vary in models and designs and range from 1-6 inches. The smaller the size, the slower the pump will pump water to your fields.
Type
Irrigation pumps come in different models and types that feature various capacities. Centrifugal types are above ground, adaptable to vast operations, and with higher performance efficiency. They are easy to install, easy to use, simple and present electric or fuel power interfaces. However, their suction lift is limited to a 20ft vertical surface.
Submersible types do not need priming and come in different diameter lengths. They are easy to install and widely used in deep and crooked wells.
Propeller styles present a simple construction interface, do not need priming, and are portable. Vertical turbines are ideal for wells. They can deliver high TDH and do not need priming.
The choice is barely based on need. For instance, centrifugal style is ideal where water lifting is needed.
Pricing
Water pumps come in different models, sizes, and brands. Furthermore, their quality and features differ too. Various suppliers trade them. Therefore, irrigation water pumps for sale in Kenya may vary significantly in price.
Based on price, always match the investment cost with your need for efficiency, quality, and durability.
Power source
Irrigation water pumps need a power supply to operate. They are electric, petrol or diesel powered. Your preference should be affordable and readily available if you want to maximize performance efficiency.
Head size and pressure
The head size reveals the highest height to which a pump can ever pump water. The recommended pump is one with a high or maximum head capacity. For instance, a 40m ultimate head pump is limited to 40m of water pumping.
Flow rate
Flow rate refers to the amount of liquid pumped against time. It is measured in L/minute. Based on use, robust projects require pumps with a higher flow rate to attain optimum efficiency and vice versa.
Conclusion
Irrigation agriculture is viable and sustainable. However, you must pair your resources with the right pumping system to achieve maximum production. Like any other equipment, an irrigation water pump’s choice depends on various factors. They come in different models and types, so you should zero your preference on use, purpose, and efficiency.
