How much does a center pivot irrigation system cost?

How much does a center pivot irrigation system cost?

There are many important factors, but here are three main things to consider: Initial Investment Cost – Pivots cost $600/acre* less, and retain their value….Separating Fact From Fiction.

Center Pivots Cost Less and Retain their Value
Initial Investment Costs SDI Center Pivot
Cost per acre $1,331 $712
Savings per acre $619

What is the downside of center pivot irrigation system?

The Cons of Center Pivot Irrigation Systems The initial cost of a pivot system can be substantial, running close to $80,000 for a standard 160-acre system, including power and water source. Fuel and electrical costs are also a consideration in pivot operation.

How efficient is center pivot irrigation?

These systems can be very efficient (e.g., 95- 98%) since evaporation losses (soil evaporation generally less than 2% with alternate row irrigation, although runoff may be as much as 50% with poorly designed and operated systems) are minimal although initial capital costs are higher than standard systems.

Does center pivot irrigation use a lot of water?

Their tests showed that 30 percent less water was applied with center pivot irrigation than furrow irrigation, while still achieving comparable results. Other research has shown that on fields with extremely light, sandy soils, only about half of the water used ends up benefitting crops. That is a lot of wasted water!

Is center pivot irrigation expensive?

Center pivot irrigation is a common technique in farming, yet it has the highest costs. Diesel alone can cost up to $25,000 yearly for 15 acre-inches per center pivot system. Farmers have enormous pressure to reduce costs and save water, but it’s not easy without jeopardizing crop quality and yield.

What are the advantages of center pivot irrigation?

Benefits. Center-pivot irrigation uses less labor than many other surface irrigation methods, such as furrow irrigation. It also has lower labor costs than ground-irrigation techniques that require digging of channels. Also, center-pivot irrigation can reduce the amount of soil tillage.

Where is center pivot irrigation used?

Center pivot technology is used all around the world to produce a variety of crops including corn, sorghum, cotton, onions, wheat, coffee, fruits, flowers, and more. Current technology allows farmers to control their pivot’s operation with a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of center pivot irrigation?

Using lines saves water but the cost is in the help. And there-in lies the advantage of the process. It is the least expensive of the methods of irrigation. One disadvantage of center pivot irrigation system is that a circular field leaves a lot of unused space.

How many acres are in a pivot circle?

How many acres can you cover with a pivot? 400m long pivots are the most common length. With an end gun operating a 400m pivot could effectively irrigate up to 140 acres under good wind conditions. A 500m pivot can cover up to 220 acres in low wind conditions.