Ashburn, GA, (very close to Heaven!) | We have a few SDI systems in our state, and some research going on the study the viability.
- Fixed costs as I have seen in some economic studies have Drip+Well+Pump system in line with Pivot+Well+Pump system.
- The well and water are matched with the system and the field, they just don't need quite as many gallons per minute, so a little less pump and energy costs.
- Drip offers an advantage as it can be made to fit any field shape, and we don't have to worry about things like light poles or trees being in the way.
- Drip will not irrigate a crop up or activate herbicide, two weaknesses in the agronomic system.
- Even though the fixed costs of installation per acre may be compatible with pivots, the drip will have a shorter life, more like about seven years, as I remember, compared to a twenty year rated life for a pivot. At the end of the seven years, drip tape in that field is probably in need of complete overhauling, where that pivot need less overhauling.
- When a pivot nozzle is stopped up, you can see it and fix it; when a drip emitter is stopped up, you may not know until the crop stresses.
- We use a lot of drip tape and plastic on vegetables, and most seem well satisfied with that system. Depending on the crops you are planning to produce, that may be an option over the SDI.
Pivot technology and efficiency have really come a long way the last twenty or so years. Low pressure, drops, and variable rate technologies are available to help you get more crop per drop of water.
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Drip Irrigation?
