Precision irrigation is a very helpful way to save water and increase production. In lack of water conditions precision irrigation is a very effective and futuristic method.
Center pivot irrigation follows the precision irrigation principle. We can save up to 40% of water waste and can increase 15 to 20% production through the Center pivot irrigation system. This system is suitable for crops like maize, soybean, sugarcane, vegetable crops, etc.
Although its installation cost and maintenance cost is high but still less than drip irrigation and it's worth it in bigger crop areas.
Center pivot sprinkler irrigation system cost
Flowing water irrigation is a very irresponsible method these days when we are facing irrigation water-related issues.
Center pivot systems use sprinklers to irrigate fixed sections. This system covers a circular field and irrigates through sprinklers. These sprinklers can be adjusted and controlled precisely according to crop water needs. Center pivot systems mainly use in big agricultural lands but for lawns purposes, underground sprinkler systems are good too.
Let's discuss various parts of the center pivot irrigation system.
Working principle of center pivot irrigation
Center pivot system work on the principle of rotational motion. It is a modified sprinkler system that covers the area through rotational motion. It irrigates all the area in its circumference.
It is not very helpful in rectangular or square crop fields. Sometimes, we can divide irregular shapes fields into circular sections then we can install a center-pivot irrigation system unlike the overhead greenhouse irrigation system.
In huge square fields or rectangular fields, we can install multiple small center pivot systems to cover the area but still, some uncovered area is left in the end.
Investment cost per acre, 10 acres, and 40 acre
You don't need to buy various sections of the center pivot system. Your company makes it of its own. First, the company inspects your local area, and then they calculate the size of the center pivot and overall cost.
For one acre of circular land, the average horizontal length of the center pivot keeps at 35 to 40 meters from the center.
Cost for one acre(Electric)
Following is an estimation of the overall cost of a center pivot irrigation system in one acre of land-
- Center pivot system cost- $700
- Transportation cost- $100
- Installation cost- $300
Total cost- $1,100
Diesel center pivot irrigation system is cheaper and the overall cost will be $750 to $950
Per 10-acre cost(Electric)
Following is an estimated cost to install a center pivot irrigation system on 10-acre land-
- Center pivot system cost- $7,000
- Transportation cost- $1000
- Installation cost- $2500
Total cost- $10,500
For diesel running center pivot systems, you have to pay $7,500 to $8,500
Per 40-acre cost(electric)
Following is an estimated cost for 40-acre land to install a center pivot irrigation system-
- Center pivot system cost- $28,000
- Transportation cost- $4,000
- Installation cost- $7,500
Total cost- $39,500
For diesel running center pivot systems, you have to pay $33,000 to $33,700
Various parts of the center pivot irrigation system
Although companies send their workers to install a center pivot system still it is good for you to at least understand its various sections widely.
Following are the various parts and sections of the center pivot irrigation system-
Control panel
The control panel is a steady section that is helpful to regulate water sprinklers. In advanced models, we can control particular sprinkler sections through this so the needed areas can be covered.
It also regulates the circular speed of the center pivot.
Wheelers
In small center-pivot irrigation systems, it is enough to add a pair of wheelers at the circumference point of the system. In bigger pivot systems, multiple points for wheelers make it more comfortable to handle and work.
Lateral pipeline
In the center pivot, water flows through lateral pipes. These pipes are generally made of PVC but making it through metal helps to make it more stable in bigger fields.
Sprinklers
Every section of lateral pipes contains multiple sprinklers and nozzles. Keeping every sprinkler head towards the ground makes the central pivot a merged vast irrigation system.
These sprinklers are bigger than ordinary lawn or garden sprinklers. Every sprinkler contains a different variety of nozzles.
Maintenance cost for Center pivot irrigation system per acre
Unlike any other irrigation system, a center pivot irrigation system can't maintain or repair without expert mechanics.
There is various point that needs to inspect to make sure that the system is working properly.
Following is the maintenance cost for one-acre land-
- Main system maintenance cost- $200
- Repairing cost- $150
Advantages of Center pivot system
Like every precise machine of irrigation, it also has some following advantages-
- Center pivot saves water up to 40%, which is very essential to install in fewer water areas.
- It doesn't need a direct connection with groundwater sources. You can run it through other external water sources.
- It equally provides water to every section of the crop. Even we can cover particular sections through this.
The downside of a center pivot irrigation system
Although the center pivot system is very precise with irrigation and water saving, there are some downsides of it that force farmers to reconsider it-
Expensive installation cost
Center pivot irrigation system installation cost is very high. Sometimes it takes more than an annual profit on crop per acre of land.
Modern center pivot irrigation systems are costlier than drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation system in bigger lands.
High maintenance cost
Like high installation costs, its maintenance cost is higher than other irrigation system maintenance costs.
And for that, you need a proper expert who can repair it and check its smoothness during work.
Need the training to run it
It is not simple for an ordinary person to run a center-pivot irrigation system. Without basic training, it can't be handled precisely.
High electricity consumption
Electric center pivot systems consume a huge amount of electricity. Thus it requires a regular cost as electricity to run regularly.
Because of its heavy weight, though it irrigates and increases production it cost you additional investment.
DIY maintenance of center pivot irrigation system
- Motor or electrical failure
If you have never touched an electrical motor system, you can at least protect it for longer by protecting control panels and boxes from mud, dust, and moisture.
If you've basic knowledge of electricians, you can simply replace the fuses, tighten loose wires, and simply protect the overall control boxes.
- If clogged sprinklers
If your CP system's sprinklers are not working properly maybe they're clogged. You don't need to replace them if they're clogged with mud or other reasons.
Just soak them in warm water, clear the holes( thin wire or needle), and install a filter in the main source line.
- If the wheel gets stuck or does not rotate
Check the wheels first. If there is debris, mud, or anything stuck between them, clean them and remove them.
If still they're not moving, check the wheel alignment and grease the moving parts. Use bigger wheels if you're replacing them to avoid unnecessary resistance in mud. If things are still not working, check the gearbox.
- Leakage or low water pressure
Examine the pipe leakage, cracked sections, and filters.
Just tighten the joints, replace cracked pipes, and try to clean your filters.
- Regular checkup
You can reduce costly repairs by regularly(monthly) checking up on the system. Clean your sprinklers, check electricity connections, and tighten bolts, and grease parts to keep the system running efficiently.