Types of Irrigation

Drip Emitters

While still an effective means of irrigation and has many advantages to spray irrigation which include:

Advantages

• Lower setup costs.
• Smaller flow rates meaning smaller pumps, pipe sizes etc.
• Cover larger areas of orchard in one sitting.

Disadvantages

• Drip into one spot, does not encourage root growth throughout the root zone.
• Small orifice of emitters prone to blocking by minerals within the water.
• Water is directed to root ball directly, over watering can be harmful.
• Not watering the root zone entirely can cause roots to slow down and maybe die off in the struggle to find water.

Spray Irrigation

Our preferred method of irrigation which involves a spray sprinkler to irrigate the root zone in its entirety, to efficiently irrigate the root network.

Advantages

• Low application rates so water is slowly absorbed into the soil and prevents runoff.
• Larger orifice means less likely to block from minerals in the water.
• Irrigating the root system encourages root growth.
• Dust suppression within the Orchard which can be detrimental to fruit health.
• Irrigation of the entire area efficiently.
• Preventative for ground cracking.
• More control of application over a large area and varying crop types.

Disadvantages

• Initial setup costs are higher.
• Flowrates are higher meaning larger pump, pipe sizes and water supply.
• Smaller areas of irrigation at any given time.

Filtration

Filtration is a key part on any system we design. No matter where the water source a screen filtration system is installed as a minimum. The screens are sized on Micron ratings and are determined by the orifice of the sprinkler nozzle.

Other forms of pre filtration are often used prior to screen known as Hydro cyclone filtration which is the process of spinning sand / sediment out by a conical shaped housing. Sand is weightier than the water and sinks to a holding chamber where it can be back flushed to waste.

More advanced filtration can also be installed to remove iron and Manganese which can cause severe staining on all surfaces the water comes in contact with not to mention the detrimental effects it has on the system and internal components. Once the water is in contact with the atmosphere the iron oxidises and therefore allows the iron and manganese to cause staining. Being predominantly an export market is very important that any water that does come in contact with the fruit doesn’t stain and deem the fruit unworthy of export value.

Sprinkler nozzles and lateral pipes become vulnerable to clogging and internal scaling therefore reducing the performance of the irrigation system.

Kiwifruit Orchard Case Study

Controlling the system

Having an automated controller to operate the system is the most efficient means to irrigate. This not only prevents costly over watering which causes damage to crops but also keeps you on the right side of the Regional council for consents.

Other options that can be installed are tensiometers which are moisture sensors that are inserted into the ground.

Usually the soil in an orchard can vary from block to block, can have more or less sunlight and maybe have a different soil makeup. Having tensiometers installed will tell you or the controller when the ideal time to irrigate may be or you may only have to irrigate certain blocks.

Adding a rain sensor is a cheap yet effective way of allowing the controller to pause after a rain event, these can be adjusted to different volumes of rain.

With the rapid change in technology automation is getting even easier and the ability to know every aspect of an irrigation system can be simply in the palm of your hands.

SMRS offer a complete turnkey system where the client can be as involved as much or as little as they wish.

Quality materials are used throughout and guarantees on products and workmanship is applied.

Good communication between client and SMRS is key so we endeavour to capture what the customer is wanting out of the system.