Foraging and Farming: Balancing Native, Wild Plants and Agriculture

« Back to Home

Why You Should Use a Rainwater Harvesting System on Your Farm

Posted on

Farmers will typically go out of their way to make the most out of natural resources, as they provide the food that Australians take for granted. Yet they may often be missing a relatively simple trick in pursuit of efficiency as they may not be taking advantage of the most abundant natural resource of all. If you're always looking for ways to improve your farming operation, why should you pay particularly close attention to rainwater harvesting, if you have not done so in the past?

Installation

Simply put, rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and distributing rainwater that would otherwise have gone to waste. Most farms these days have a number of large buildings and these represent the perfect place to install rainwater harvesting equipment. This will ensure that water is stored and used effectively rather than being lost to evaporation or drainage.

Distribution

A rainwater harvesting system can, in turn, divert water to a large tank through a system of pipes. This water could then be treated to improve water quality if needed before being pumped through another network of pipes to supply the water to wherever it is needed on the farm.

Reducing Cost

If your operation is hooked up to the mains supply, then you will be aware of the costs involved in keeping your business on track. When you buy water from the government in this way, you will also be charged a proportionate sum for sewer works. It stands to reason, therefore, that the less you buy through the mains supply, the less you have to spend on sewer rates as well.

Water Management

If you harvest rainwater carefully then you will also reduce both the amount of water that gets into your slurry store and the amount that gets polluted as it runs across your facility. Consequently, you will have less dirty water to dispose of and this can result in additional savings.

Organic Benefits

Society is beginning to demand organic produce and if possible, you should ensure that you use natural resources to develop your crop. Rainwater is the preferred solution here as it is devoid of any treatment additives like chlorine and can be used to irrigate organic produce.

Less Service

Rainwater may be kinder to your equipment as well as there are fewer additives within to clog narrow pipes over time. This may help you to maintain your irrigation system and cut down on your service costs.

Sizing Your Needs

Consider your needs carefully when you first install your rainwater harvesting system and make sure that you get a storage tank of adequate size for your facility.

For help in choosing the right rainwater tank for your needs, call a supplier near you.


Share