Irrigation

[ZXR17]

What amount of water per acre per pass would be used on average to irrigate veg on heavyish soil with a rain gun ?
How many acres per hour could be covered ?
Really asking because we had a storm that dumped 25 mm in about 15 minutes causing run off and capping and wondered how long an irrigator would take to apply an inch of rain without causing any damage .

 

[essex man]

Rain gun works in a slow arc so can be a minute between water hitting ground each time, this enables an element of penetration in between.
Time taken would not be that dissimilar, but the water does not fall constantly which makes a big difference

 

[Brisel]

The kind of soil that needs irrigation is more permeable though silts, gravels and some sands can cap. I had thought that capping was about intensity, not just quantity.

 

[ZXR17]

I sort of new but wasn't sure about the time frame .
Firstly let me say this is not my idea but would I be right in saying that it wouldn't be a good idea to try irrigating a game cover with a slurry tanker and splash plate .

 

[Brisel]

You would want to keep a reasonable speed up and do a couple of passes. Gamekeepers don’t take no for an answer...

 

[ZXR17]

Two local estates have tried it out of desperation and said it is a total waste of time and money , makes a load of mess and compaction . Basically doesn't work but as you rightly say you can't tell them .