Contribute to 4-H
|
Author: TYSON PubID: ANR-1081 |
Title: | HOSE TOW FOR FARM OR WASTEWATER IRRIGATION |
Pages: 2
Status: IN PRODUCTION |
 Printable Copy (PDF)
|
Hose Tow For Farm Or Wastewater Irrigation |
This publication describes a typical hard hose traveler irrigation system, evaluates its adaptability to Alabama conditions for farm and/or wastewater irrigation, and analyzes its initial and annual cost.
Description
The hose tow traveler system in Figure 1 has a 4.5 inch inside
diameter by 1,050 foot hose and irrigates rectangular strips 300
feet wide and 1,000 feet long. 
The irrigation pump
delivers the water through underground PVC (plastic) pipe to nine
risers strategically located throughout the field. The water flows
from the riser through the semi-rigid polyethylene hose to a single
trailer-mounted large volume sprinkler. A hose reel, located at
the riser, turns continuously to roll up the polyethylene hose
and pull the trailer mounted gun through the field. Hose tow machines
are available with various hose lengths and gun sizes. In this
example, this hose reel may be rotated 180 degrees to irrigate
two rectangular strips before the hose reel is moved to another
riser.
An area up to 7 ¾ acres can be irrigated in each rectangular strip although smaller areas can be irrigated if a full hose length pull is not possible.
This system uses surface water. For farm irrigation, surface water would be a stream, a creek, or a pond. For wastewater irrigation, surface water would be either a single or two stage animal waste treatment lagoon. In areas where wells are practical, well cost should be determined. Whether to dig a well or to develop surface water or to use a combination of both will depend on local conditions.
The pumping system in this example uses a diesel power source.
Three-phase electric power, where available, is also an option
for stationary pumps for wastewater irrigation systems where controlling
lagoon level is critical throughout the lagoon lifetime. For wastewater
irrigation, a float is needed to position the pump suction about
18 inches below the lagoon surface (above the lagoon floor) to
prevent solids pick up.
Adaptability
Hard hose traveling systems are most practical in Alabama in small irregular shape fields that will not accommodate large pivots or smaller tow pivot layouts. Under most crop and weather conditions, a single hose tow machine may not effectively irrigate more than 100 acres planted to a single crop. Ideally a single hose tow machine works best on 50 to 65 acres of an early crop, finishing early crop irrigation, then moving to a second 50 to 65 acres for later seasonal irrigation. An example of this would be a corn-peanut or a corn-cotton situation. The 9-risers in Figure 1 could irrigate over 124 acres with two full runs from each riser. In the wastewater situation, nitrogen nutrient strength controls the amount of wastewater that can be applied to the crop during any one growing season. This may be 1/3 to 1/2 of the normal irrigation water applied. Typically cost per acre for a wastewater only irrigation situation (no regular supplemental irrigation) may be 50 percent to 60 percent of regular irrigation cost.
While the design described in this publication is not necessarily
a recommended layout, it is one example. Each farm or wastewater
irrigation site must be evaluated on an individual basis to determine
the exact design and component requirements and to develop a cost
analysis for that particular location.
Cost Analysis
The cost per acre to purchase, install, and operate an irrigation system will depend on the design requirements for each individual unit. When two irrigation sites have similar characteristics, such as water source, land clearing requirements, field size, shape, and elevation, the component requirements and cost analysis of one site may be used to get an idea of the requirements for the second site.
For the example system discussed here, typical initial costs for each component are indicated and annual per acre ownership and operating cost are estimated. Annual costs are calculated for the useful life of the equipment. Available tax credits, other tax advantages, and federal or state cost-share for animal waste management systems are not figured in this example, but would reduce ownership cost when available.
The loan repayment period for purchasing irrigation equipment is usually much shorter than the useful life used for calculating ownership cost. If this is true, annual ownership cost may underestimate the actual cash flow needed to meet loan obligations during the repayment period. Equipment leasing is an alternative to direct purchase of irrigation equipment and may be desirable in some cash flow situations.
A breakdown of component costs follows for the irrigation system
illustrated. Annual per acre ownership and operating costs are
also calculated.
Cost Analysis Of Irrigation Systems Traveler Unit
Hose Tow 100 Acres - One Gun
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. Hose Tow Unit 1 Hose Tow Unit, all attachments, 1,050 feet x 4-inch hose |
|
|
|
| 2. Power Unit and Pump 62 Continuous Horsepower Diesel Centrifugal Pump 512 gpm @ 350 TDH |
|
|
|
| 3. Risers--6-inch 9 risers @ $ 145 /riser |
|
|
|
| 4. PVC Pipe (price installed) 6-inch - ___feet x $___ /foot 8-inch--4,050 feet x $ 5.25 /foot |
|
|
|
| 5. Pipe Fittings and Concrete |
|
|
|
| 6. Miscellaneous |
|
|
|
| Total Cost |
|
|
|
| Total Cost Per Acre |
|
|
| 1. Yearly Depreciation(From Table A) |
|
| 2. Interest on Average Investment (9%) |
|
| 3. Insurance on Average Investment (0.7%) |
|
| Total Annual Ownership Cost |
|
| Total Annual Ownership Cost Per Acre |
|
| 1. Fuel ($1.00/gallon) |
|
| 2.Oil ($4.50/gallon) |
|
| 3. Repairs -- Power Unit |
|
| 4. Repairs -- Irrigation Unit |
|
| 5. Labor ($6.00/hour) |
|
| Total Operating Cost Per Acre-Inch |
|
| Annual Operating Cost For Year Requiring 7 Acre-Inches Of Water |
|
| Total Annual Cost Per System |
|
| Total Annual Cost Per Irrigated Acre |
|
Thus, additional yield worth at least $ 127.95 per acre would be required to cover the ownership and operating cost for this system.
Additional production costs resulting from higher fertilizer rates, additional seed, increased harvesting and drying costs, incurred due to intensified irrigation would also have to be covered in order to offset all additional expenses. Nutrient value of wastewater may reduce higher fertilizer costs.
For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find the number.
For more information, contact your county Extension office. Visit http://www.aces.edu/counties or look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find contact information.
Published by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University), an equal opportunity educator and employer.
If you have problems loading this document, please email publications@aces.edu for assistance.
