Developing Healthy Crops with Healthy Water
Water is the elixir of life. Without water we cannot sustain life and we cannot grow crops. The quality of water affects plant growth and yield and, ultimately, the health of the crops. In this post, we will explore optimal methods to ensure that the water being used for agricultural production is also healthy.
Well Rehabilitation
The first thing that has to be done in order to harvest healthy crops using healthy water is to make sure that the water that is used for irrigation is of a high quality. This can be accomplished by reusing old wells and building new ones. Additionally, it is significant to audit the quality of water in wells regularly.
It is viable to enhance the water’s quality 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 constructed away from sources of contamination, such as septic tanks, animal pens, and fertilizer storage areas. They should also be located at least 100 feet from roads to prevent runoff from contaminating the water.
Water Pump Installation and Maintenance
Another significant step in the production of healthy crops with healthy water is to install as well as maintain a water pump. Water pumps are used to draw water from wells or other sources and deliver the water to the crops. They must be installed by professionals and maintained on a regular basis.
Pumps must 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
Checking the electrical connections, applying lubricant to moving parts, and cleaning debris from the intake screen are all part of the routine maintenance that must be performed on pumps. Pumps must be replaced if they are broken or worn out.
Water Tanks
The water that is necessary for irrigation is stored in water tanks. They should be fabricated from parts that do not introduce contaminants into the water, such as concrete, fiberglass, or plastic, for example. Elevating the tanks and positioning them in a location away from possible contaminated sources allows gravity to be used to transport water from the tanks to the land below.
Tanks ought to 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 proper maintenance. Leaks should also be inspected, and any damage should be fixed.
Water Treatment
It is necessary to treat water in order to remove water contamination that is not fit for human consumption. It is possible to treat the water that will be used for irrigation with chemicals, filters, or ultraviolet light. The type of treatment relies on the water quality and the crops that are being grown.
The following are examples of chemical treatments:
-
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
In addition, ultraviolet light can be utilized to kill bacteria and other organisms that could be found in water. This approach to treatment is effective against microorganisms of all kinds, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Water treatment is an essential component in the producing of healthy crops using healthy water. It is vital to treat the water in a way that is appropriate for both the crops that are growing and the water itself.
Conclusion
Farmers need to ensure they are utilizing healthy water if they wish to produce healthy crops. This can be done by repurposing old wells, building new wells, and keeping the quality of water regularly. Additionally, farmers must 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 tarnished. Finally, farmers should treat the water to remove contaminants before utilizing it for irrigation. By taking these steps, farmers can ensure that their agricultural land is getting the cleanest and purest water available. If you are in need of a water treatment company to help you get started, visit Watson Well today!