Answers to Your Questions About Late-Season Crop Irrigation

Whether they’re growing fruit, vegetables, cotton or any other crop, every farmer knows the importance of irrigation and having a properly-working irrigation system. But what some folks don’t realize is that irrigation still matters after August.

If you don’t know much about late-season crop irrigation, keep reading. This post will answer a few of the most common questions we get about irrigating crops late into the year.

Why is late irrigation important?

Irrigating late into the year is essential these days because average weather conditions are changing each year. We’re getting less rainfall in the late summer and early fall every year—and that likely won’t change anytime soon.

Continuing to irrigate your late-season crops helps ensure a bountiful yield, and it may help keep the ground in good condition for the next year.

How late should I irrigate?

There’s no hard-stop date when it comes to late irrigation. Our best advice is to keep an eye on the forecast and to utilize a soil-water monitoring system to check your groundwater levels. If your soil is too dry and there’s no rain coming soon, keep irrigating until the ground is sufficiently moist for your late-season crops.

How much should I irrigate?

The amount of water your crops should receive depends on a few factors, like what you’re growing, how much rain we’ve already gotten and the current ground conditions.

If we get a ton of rain late into the season and the ground is soaked, you can probably skip irrigation for a few days or even weeks. But if it’s super dry out—which it has been over the past few years—be sure to water regularly.

Talk to your local irrigation experts about the moisture levels your particular crop should be receiving. The pros will set you up for success by installing the best irrigation system for your crops’ needs.

Remember, irrigating too frequently can lead to fungal growth or other diseases that may ruin your harvest. Additionally, watering when it’s not needed is a big waste of money.

What should I do to ensure my system is fully functional?

Continuing to irrigate your crops is obviously essential—but so is maintaining your irrigation system. We recommend hiring a professional to inspect your system at least once a year to ensure it is delivering the right amount of water at the correct times.

It’s also not a bad idea to regularly inspect the system yourself to ensure it’s in working order. Be sure to call a repair service as soon as you notice something’s amiss.

How can B&M Pump Irrigation Sales & Service, Inc. help you?

We don’t just know all about crops—we’re the go-to team for your irrigation needs. Our pros handle everything from designing and installing new irrigation systems to performing routine maintenance. We’re also capable of making any necessary repairs should something go wrong with your irrigation system or pump.

If you need any assistance with repairing, maintaining or designing your irrigation system, or if you would just like more information on late-season crop irrigation, please call us today.

Categorised in: Irrigation