Choosing the Right Irrigation Pump for Your Farm

Selecting the proper pump is crucial for an efficient irrigation system that meets crop water requirements. The key factors to consider are irrigation equipment, water source, pump type, pump sizing, system efficiency, and integration with the irrigation system.
First, choose the irrigation equipment such as sprinklers, drip lines or pivots based on the water volume and pressure needs. Controllers are important to turn the water on and off. This determines the pump capacity and power required.

The water source 
- whether groundwater from a well or surface water like a pond or stream 
- affects the pump type. Submersible pumps are suitable for underground water sources. 
For surface water, centrifugal, propeller, or turbine pumps can be used. Using multiple smaller pumps is recommended for flexibility.

The pump type depends on the water source. Submersible pumps are designed for well depths up to 200 feet. Self-priming centrifugal pumps work for surface water up to 200 feet lift. Larger centrifugal pumps can handle up to 300 feet lift from rivers or reservoirs. Propeller or turbine pumps are high volume low lift pumps good for surface water sources.

Proper sizing of the pump, motor, and power requirements is critical. Over or undersized pumps waste energy and money. The key factors are power draw, pressure capacity, controls, and motor protection. Work with qualified pump suppliers to match the pump capacity to the irrigation system.

Evaluate the overall system efficiency using the flow rate, total head pressure requirements, and motor power rating in kW. Also check the pump and motor efficiency ratings as that affects power use. Target an efficient pump motor match.

Integrate the pump properly with the irrigation system components for optimal performance. Control valves manage system pressure and flow rate. Variable Frequency Drives can also regulate speed. This ensures efficient water application for the best crop yields.

Choosing the right irrigation pump for your farm takes some research and expert help. But the effort goes a long way in pumping water sustainably and cost-effectively to maximize your irrigation efficiency.