Lindsay predicts population growth and food demand along with environmental issues will impact irrigation trends in 2022. It should know. It’s a leading global manufacturer and distributor of irrigation and infrastructure equipment and technology operating since 1955.

1. Wireless Crop Monitoring and Control

In 2022, farmers will use more technology to monitor and control fields. Solutions making it easy to control pressure, flow, and water level from a smartphone, tablet, or desktop from anywhere and at any time will continue to appeal to farmers.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Lindsay says AI has the potential to be a game-changer in agriculture as forecasting and predictive analytics reduce errors and minimize the risk of crop failures. Plus, AI-enhanced products will give growers better information on general water trends in their soil to create more efficient and effective cropping plans.

3. Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI)

While around for a while, this technology will see a resurgence because it can increase profitability and productivity while conserving water, Lindsay noted. VRI has proven to reduce overwatering, runoff, and nutrient leaching—especially important factors are more state and international agreements push for cleaner water.

4. Data-Informed Decision Making

These days, everything is driven by data—from the media, we browse to the way we manage our fields. It’s simply more efficient, especially when it comes to pivot irrigation, Lindsay said. One-stop farm management solutions using crop types, planting dates, soil maps, local weather information, and irrigation history to provide recommendations on when, where, and how much to irrigate fields will continue to grow.

5. Water Management

Water and irrigation management that balances conservation principles with a farm’s water needs will be a big trend moving forward—especially considering ever-changing weather patterns and climate change. According to the UN-Water team, which has designed 2022 a time to focus on groundwater, it provides “about 40% of water for irrigated agriculture and about 1/3 of water supply required for the industry.” Growers who are early adopters of water conservation efforts will be leaders in incorporating technology that could make a difference when it comes to sustainability and overall environmental health, Lindsay noted.

6. Soil Management

Going hand-in-hand with water management, soil conservation is essential for farmland productivity. Lindsay predicted finding ways to mitigate erosion, maintain fertility and avoid degradation will help ensure farmland remains beneficial.

7. Cost Sharing

New cost-sharing policies provide international, federal, or state funding that can help U.S. and Canadian growers. These types of agreements and funding sources are only anticipated to expand in 2022, Lindsay added.

Source: Lindsay

Lindsay advice to get your irrigation system ready for the growing season

Lazzarini Sabrina — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 15:00:18 +0000

How can you prevent costly downtime this season?

“Preseason maintenance is the best way to ensure that your pivot is ready to go when you need it. It also helps prevent downtime and, in the long run, helps extend the life of your system.”

said Brad Dunbar, aftermarket manager at Lindsay.

Dunbar recommends this tune-up checklist:

Grease the pivot point: This helps keep the pivot point moving freely during operation. Also make sure the pivot ell is securely connected and any drain plugs have been reinserted.
Check tire pressure: The correct pressure helps maintain adequate flotation and helps prevent excessive gearbox wear.
Check gearbox oil level: Drain water gearboxes and top off with the appropriate gear oil.
Check center drive oil level: Fill to the levels indicated – be sure not to overfill, as that can cause seal failure.
Check all bolts: Loose bolts can cause unnecessary stress on the system.
Inspect drivelines: Worn joints and driveline bolts are easy to repair at the beginning of the season, but can be a real headache in the middle of a wet field.
Check end guns: If the system is equipped with an end gun, make sure all plumbing is intact and appears to be in good working condition. Also check for rodent damage and tubing degradation.

Dunbar said it’s also a good idea to start the system, so you can check for leaks and ensure proper sprinkler operation.

“Sprinklers and pressure regulators do have a lifespan. If your system is 10 or so years old, you might need to take a closer look at sprinkler package. If it’s out of date, you could lose application uniformity.”

he added.