Water is the key element for life. Without water we cannot sustain life and we cannot grow crops. The water quality affects plant growth and yield and, ultimately, the healthfulness of the crops. In this post, we will explore the best ways to ensure that the water being used for agricultural production is also healthy.
Well Rehabilitation
The first step in cultivating healthy crops with healthy water is to ensure that the water used for irrigation is of good quality This can be done by rehabilitating old wells and building new ones. In addition, it is significant to audit the quality of water in wells regularly.
Water quality can be bettered 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 built away from contaminated sources, like septic tanks, animal pens, and fertilizer storage areas. They should also be located at least 100 feet from roads to avoid runoff from contaminating the water.
Installing Water Pumps and Maintaining them Regularly
Setting up a water pump and ensuring that it is efficiently maintained is another essential step in the process of cultivating healthy crops using healthy water. It is necessary to use water pumps in order to deliver water from wells and other sources to the agricultural land. 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
Routine maintenance of pumps includes checking the electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, and expelling debris from the intake screen. Pumps must be replaced if they are broken or worn out.
Water Tanks
The water that is needed for irrigation is stored in water tanks. They ought to be fabricated from components that do not introduce contaminants into the water, like concrete, fiberglass, or plastic, for example. Elevating the tanks and positioning them in a location away from potential contaminated sources allows gravity to be utilized to deliver water from the tanks to the agricultural land.
Tanks should 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
The interior and exterior surfaces of tanks should be cleaned regularly as part of preventative maintenance. Leaks should also be inspected, and any damage should be repaired.
Water Treatment
Water treatment is needed to remove contaminants from water that is not safe to drink. Water that is utilized for irrigation may be treated with chemicals, filters, or ultraviolet light. The quality of the water and the crops growth both are factors that influence the type of treatment that should be applied.
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
Ultraviolet light can also be used to kill bacteria and other organisms in the water. This treatment type is efficient against viruses, protozoans, and bacteria. Water treatment is an important part in the producing of healthy crops using high quality water. It is vital to treat the water in a manner that is appropriate for both the crops that are growing and the water itself.
Conclusion
Farmers must make sure they are utilizing healthy water if they want to develop healthy crops. This can be executed by repurposing old wells, constructing new ones, and monitoring the quality of water on a regular basis. In addition, farmers should install and maintaing a water pump and keep water in tanks that are made of materials that will not contaminate the water. In addition, farmers are encouraged to put in place and maintain a water pump and keep water in tanks that are made of non-contaminating materials so that the water does not become tainted. Finally, farmers ought to treat the water to eliminate contaminants prior to using it for irrigation. Farmers can confirm that their crops are getting the purest and cleanest water by taking these procedures. Visit Watson Well now if you are in need of a water treatment business to get you started!