Center Pivot Irrigation System in Nigeria
The center pivot or water wheel is also called circle irrigation system. The center pivot is an equipment that rotates around a pivot. It has a set of sprinklers used for irrigating crops. The centre pivot moves in a circular way around the farm. It also irrigates crops through its sprinklers while moving around the farm.
The center pivot is just a group of sprinklers set on a motorized equipment with the aim of wetting crops while it rotates in a circular way. The newer center pivots are powered by electricity, the older types are powered by the force and pressure of water flowing through them.
The center pivot consists of sets of galvanized steel assembled together with overhead sprinklers and mounted on wheeled towers.
To use a center pivot irrigation system, there must be a big water reservoir. The types of water reservoirs usually used are rivers and dams. Center pivots are ideally used for farmlands that are flat or reasonably flat.
The length of a typical center pivot is 100 metres – 500 metres. However, there are center pivots with lengths of above 1,000 metres.
What to look out for when buying a Centre Pivot Irrigation System in Nigeria
The following are the things to look out for when buying centre pivots in Nigeria:
The Price of the Center Pivot
The price of a center pivot is one of the factors to consider before buying one. Do not buy center pivot irrigation systems that appear very cheap. They may be of a low quality.
Center pivots manufactured in Europe and the US are usually more expensive than those manufactured in Asia.
The price of a center pivot in Nigeria ranges from ₦3 million – ₦40 million depending on the size.
The Quality of the Centre Pivot irrigation System
You should consult an expert before you buy a center pivot in Nigeria. The expert is likely to help you assess the quality before you buy.
Never buy a low quality center pivot irrigation system because of its low price. Insist on buying only a high quality center pivot.
Specification of the Center Pivot
There are various types of center pivots. You need to know the exact specification of center pivot you want.
Do you want a small or big center pivot? Do you want a water or electricity powered center pivot? Do you want a center pivot with big gun sprinklers? These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself.
Components of a Center Pivot Irrigation System in Nigeria
The following are the components of a centre pivot irrigation system:
Center Pivot
The center pivot is the main component of the center pivot irrigation system. The center pivot is the water wheel that moves in a circular form whilst spraying water to the plants.
The center pivot is connected to the source of water with the use of large pipes or hoses.
Galvanized Steel
The galvanized steel is used to build or assemble the center pivot. A typical center pivot uses a lot of galvanized steel pipes or rods.
Main Line
The main line is the principal pipe or hose that brings water from the source of water. The main line is usually connected to the submains or the center pivot itself.
The main line of a center pivot irrigation system is usually big with diameters of 6 – 20 inches.
Connectors
The connectors are the irrigation components used to connect the centre pivot to the main line and the submains.
The connectors can also be used to connect the source of water to the centre pivot.
Valves
The valves are used to control the flow of water in the center pivot irrigation system. The valves can also be used to stop the flow of water to a part of the center pivot.
Backflow Valve
The backflow valve or backflow water preventer is a special type of valve used to stop the flow back of water into the source of water.
The backflow valve can prevent the backflow of harmful substances like pesticides and fertilizers to the source of water.
Crops suitable for Center Pivot Irrigation System
Center Pivots can be used to irrigate almost all types of crops, although, some crops are more suited for a center pivot irrigation system.
The following are the crops that are suited for centre pivot irrigation system:
- Maize
- Sorghum
- Soybeans
- Pepper
- Tomato
- Groundnut
- Pineapple
- Millet
- Fonio
- Lettuce
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower etc
It should be noted that the use of centre pivots for some types of crops can cause flower abortion. Flower abortion may significantly reduce crop yield.
Benefits of Using a Center Pivot Irrigation System
The following are the benefits of using a center pivot irrigation system:
- The center pivot irrigation system ensures all year round growing of crops. This can significantly increase the income of farmers.
- It can be used to enhance the germination of seeds.
- It can be used to apply foliar fertilizers and pesticides.
- The centre pivot can enhance the ability of the plants to make use of atmospheric nitrogen.
- The sprinkling of water by the center pivots can disrupt the activities of insects and flies.
How to Set Up a Center Pivot Irrigation System
You need the following tools to set up a center pivot irrigation system:
- Hammers
- Pliers
- Motorised Tools
- Tractor with lifting implement
- Screw Driver
- Wrench
The above tools would be used to fit the galvanized steel rods together. They will also be used to attach the sprinklers to the water wheel or center pivot.
We can help you to set up or install your center pivot irrigation system.
FAQ on Centre Pivot Irrigation System
Question: Can I use center pivots for all crops in Nigeria?
Answer: Yes, however, center pivots can cause flower abortion in crops like tomato.
Question: Can I install a center pivot irrigation system myself?
Answer: You need to contact an irrigation expert like Veggie Grow to install the irrigation system for you.
Question: How much is a center pivot irrigation system?
Answer: The price of a center pivot varies from ₦3 million to ₦40 million.
Do you need to buy a center pivot system in Nigeria? If yes, kindly contact us on 08025141924.
