Travelling irrigators are one of the most labour efficient systems for effluent management available, but there are few aspects to be mindful of to ensure you are getting the best system for your farm.
Irrigating regular shaped paddocks
If you have regular shaped or long paddocks, then a travelling irrigator is a labour efficient option to consider. Travelling irrigators are able to be set up in an hour and run for up to three hours (depending on the length of the paddock) with the ability to move it easily to another paddock for the next run. Due to its ability to manage a wide area, it increases the amount of opportunities for irrigation.
Choosing the right travelling irrigator system
The type of travelling irrigator you need depends on the layout of your farm and the requirements for irrigation. If you are near waterways, it is suggested to use a traditional travelling irrigator that is reliable, and effluent can be applied with relatively low wind drift.
If your farm does not have concerns with waterways or irregular shaped paddocks, then a travelling rain gun irrigator may be suitable with the ability to manage a wider area at higher pressure and applying at a low application rate. However, be mindful of the potential issues like wind drift that may accidentally spread to non-target areas.
Another variation available that is more suited for larger farms is utilising a hard hose reel with a rain gun system. This system can easily be shifted with a tractor and would require minimal labour intensity to move from one paddock to another.
No matter what type of travelling irrigator you choose, it is important to assess the paddock shape, being mindful of waterways, the travel speed and match it with the soil type to ensure application depth is aligned with the infiltration rate to avoid any issues with ponding and compliance problems.
Are travelling irrigators labour efficient?
Travelling irrigators are one of the most labour efficient options on the market with the ability to run up to three hours on average with little involvement once the system is set in place. The only limitations are the requirements for regular shaped paddocks and the limit of the length of pipe available.
While travelling irrigators can be left unattended, it is highly recommended to periodically check on it during its run to avoid any issues with components becoming disconnected or spraying in the same spot for too long. Take your time with setting up the travelling irrigator properly and check for any potential issues before turning it on.
If you are needing to reach further away or irregular shaped paddocks, a slurry tanker also serves as a great compliment to a travelling irrigator allowing you to spread effluent to your entire farm.
Chat with our team
If you have increased your herd number or are expanding your farm, it may be time to reassess your effluent management system to remain compliant. Give our team a call to properly assess your current farm needs to help you set up the most labour efficient travelling irrigator or slurry tanker system.