Water is the most important element for life. It is essential for human survival and for crops to grow. The standard of the water has an effect on the growth and yield of the plants, as well as, eventually, the quality of the products. In this post, we will explore optimal ways to ensure that the water being used for agricultural production is also healthy.
Well Rehabilitation
The first thing that has to be done in order to harvest healthy crops using healthy water is to make sure that the water that is utilized for irrigation is of a high quality. This can be done by rehabilitating old wells and building new ones. Additionally, it is important to audit the quality of water in wells regularly.
Water quality may be improved by:
-
removing sediment from the well using a screen or other means
-
disinfecting the well with chlorine or another disinfectant
-
flushing the well to remove any stagnant water
Wells should be constructed away from contaminated sources, like septic tanks, animal pens, and fertilizer storage areas. In addition, they should be located at least 100 feet away from roads to prevent the contamination of the water by runoff.
Water Pump Installation and Maintenance
Another significant step in the production of healthy crops with healthy water is to install and maintain a water pump. Water pumps are used to transport water from wells or other sources and deliver the water to the crops. They should be installed by professionals and maintained on a regular basis.
Pumps should be:
-
sized correctly for the irrigation system
-
installed at the proper depth
-
secured to prevent them from being pulled out of the well or disconnected from the power source
-
maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions
Inspecting the electrical connections, applying lubricant to moving parts, and removing debris from the intake screen are all inclusive of the routine maintenance that should be performed on pumps. Pumps must be changed if they are damaged or worn out.
Water Tanks
Water tanks are used to house water for irrigation. They should be made of components that will not contaminate the water, such as concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. Tanks ought to be located away from sources of contamination and raised so that gravity can be utilized to deliver the water to the agricultural land.
Tanks ought to be:
-
constructed on a level surface to prevent them from tipping over
-
anchored to prevent them from being blown over by strong winds
-
covered to keep out debris and animals
-
equipped with a screen or other means of keeping out contaminants
-
maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions
Regular maintenance of tanks includes cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces, checking for leaks, and repairing any damage.
Water Treatment
It is needed to treat water in order to eliminate water contamination that is not fit for human consumption. Water that is utilized for irrigation can be treated with chemicals, filters, or ultraviolet light. The type of treatment relies on the quality of the water and the agriculture that is being grown.
Chemical treatments include:
-
chlorination: adding chlorine to kill bacteria and other organisms
-
filtration: using a filter to remove particles from water
-
reverse osmosis: using pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving contaminants behind
-
deionization: removing ions from water using an ion exchange process
Additionally, ultraviolet light can be used to kill bacteria and other organisms that may be present in water. This method of treatment is efficient against all types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Water treatment is an crucial part of producing healthy crops with high quality water. It is important to choose the right treatment type for the water and the crops that are growing.
Conclusion
To produce healthy crops, it is necessary for farmers to use high quality water. This can be accomplished by fixing and maintaining existing wells, digging new ones, and conducting regular examinations to decipher the condition of the water supply. Additionally, farmers should put in place and maintain a water pump and store water in tanks that consist of non-contaminating materials so that the water doesn’t become tarnished. Finally, farmers ought to treat the water to eliminate contaminants before utilizing it for irrigation. By taking these steps, farmers can ensure that their crops are receiving the cleanest and most pure water possible. If you just realized you are in need of a water treatment professional to help you get started, check out Watson Well today!