There is no one word answer for what type of irrigator is best for your farm, but there are aspects to consider that can help determine the best fit for your dairy effluent management.
Labour Availability
The first aspect to consider is labour availability. What skill set does the staff already have on the farm? How manageable is the workload? Whether it is seasonal or there are a few hours available every day, understanding the workload can help determine the best irrigator for farm efficiency.
While farm workers can range in their skill sets, a traditional travelling irrigator. The Greenback Magnum is one of the most reliable and recommended options due to the easy set up. With less concern of potential issues, the greenback irrigator makes the process easy for limited skill staff and when workload varies seasonally.
Seasonal Workload
If farmers only have a window of opportunity every few months, it is easier to take on a concentrated effort of effluent management tasks using a drag hose system with a Nevada RainWave™ applicator as an option. A drag hose system offers a great option when effluent is managed intermittently throughout the year. It makes it easy to empty the pond every two months and is best suited for a seasonal workload.
Storage
The size of effluent storage also makes a difference when choosing an irrigator. If the farm has a larger storage pond and a big irrigator, then it is suited for high volumes. However, if the system includes pumping from a sump or a small storage facility, it is important that the irrigator is not too big. Otherwise, the storage will be sucked dry too quickly.
Contour
Flat farms offer a wide variety of suitable options for irrigation. A common irrigator for flat farms is a travelling rain gun because of the reduced amount of labour required. There are several selections for travelling rain guns that are proven to be reliable and easy to manage.
If the farm is hilly, there is the need to have a low application irrigator to try and reduce the incidence of runoff. It is common on a hilly farm to have a stationary rain gun, however, keep in mind that a rain gun needs to be shifted frequently or turned off for a period of time to allow the effluent to soak in before turning on again. If the farm is hilly, remember not to make a decision based on your neighbour or anyone else. Talk directly to a specialist first who can recommend the right resources and equipment that are suited to your specific farm.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake in selecting an irrigator is overlooking the fact that the irrigator, the pump, and the pipeline all need to be considered together when making a choice. Small pumps will not drive big irrigators and big pumps will not necessarily drive irrigators if there is only small pipework. It is not possible to increase the size of the pump if the pipe is too small, it simply will cause hassle and lack of reliable flow. Ask for help from a specialist to ensure the irrigator of choice will work alongside the pump and pipeline that may already be in place. When making big changes, make sure to ask first before any installation.
Time Efficiency
Another common mistake is overlooking how long it takes to set up an irrigator and shift it. It is common among farms to choose a travelling irrigator because everyone else has a travelling irrigator, not necessarily because it is the most suitable to the specific farm. The amount of time it takes to shift a travelling irrigator is comparable per cubic metre of effluent applied to driving a slurry tanker or using a drag hose system, which is why it is important to consider all options when making an investment on the best irrigator for the farm.
Capacity
A third common mistake is not considering the handling capacity. If there is a feed pad or a high volume of solids coming through the effluent, then the irrigator needs to be able to cope with the amount of solids. Some of the modern rain gun type irrigators have turbines or pelton wheels in them and these are not suited to cope with solids very well. The greenback magnum is better for this. If there is a high concentration of solids in the effluent, spreading with a RainWave™ Drag Hose System or Hard Hose Reel is the better option.
However, a healthy effluent storage system that is stirred thoroughly and frequently with a effluent pond stirrer, can assist in the breakdown of solids. Nevada also recommends thoroughly stirring your effluent prior to spreading.
At Nevada, we recommend talking to a specialist first to assess the full effluent management operation to ensure you have the best irrigator options available for your farm. Chat with our team to learn more.