An innovative mobile fertiliser unit – FERTIGATION MADE EASY

Bekmar Irrigation recently launched the Mobi-Fert, an innovative mobile fertiliser unit that their team has been developing over the past two years. 

Technical Manager Ruan Pieterse stood at the helm of the project, which was the result of an ongoing effort on the part of Bekmar Irrigation to tailor bespoke agricultural solutions that allow forward-thinking growers to enjoy better yields, with less manual hassle and more time to focus on other aspects of their business. 

According to Ruan, the Mobi-Fert is simple to use and maintain, but can make a big difference in the results that growers enjoy the field. 

“The design itself is fairly simple, yet robust. It comprises a generator, control box, multi-stage pump, two solenoid valves and a fertilizer meter. The generator drives the pump and control box if a user does not have access to electrical power in the field, while the user-friendly control box features a manual side and auto side for mixing and dosing. The simple horizontal, multi-stage pump handles the fertiliser and does the dosing, while the valves control the fertiliser and the meter does the reading of the dosing,” he explains. 

The Mobi-Fert can be mounted on a bakkie or tractor trailer so it’s level, and can handle just about any type of fertiliser, whether it be liquid or granular. It also features quite a strong nozzle, which means that it presses the fertiliser to the sides and straight towards the front, which facilitates a very effective round mixing pattern. 

There are currently two different units available, the Echo 1, and the Mobi-Fert. The Echo 1 is a more basic model, while the Mobi-Fert features modifications and functionality that was included in the overall design based on feedback from Bekmar clientele who tested the first models on their farms. 

One big difference between the two units is that the more advanced Mobi-Fert allows for uploading and downloading of fertilising schedules and data by means of a waterproof USB port. 

“Essentially a grower can sit down at home in the evening and draw up the fertiliser schedule for the whole day ahead, save it to their USB drive and load it onto the Mobi-Fert in the morning, which will then have access to all the work he did the evening before,” Ruan explains. “We did this to make the whole process easier and to save the user a lot of time since they don’t have to stand around in the field, punching numbers onto the screen.” 

This function is also safeguarded with password protection, so only the person with the password can make changes on the machine in the field. A general worker can simply choose the tap to which they wish to connect on the screen and push the ‘go’ button. They will be able to see what is happening on the screen, but without the password they can’t make any changes. 

“Then, at the end of the day when all the fertiliser has been applied, the grower can offload the day’s data to their USB drive, save it on their computer to address GLOBAL GAP which signifies the safety and sustainability of their produce and paves the way for increased consumer and customer confidence in their product safety and quality,” says Ruan. 

“If there is a software update or change to be made, this can also be done via the USB port – we simply share it with the grower via email, they download it to their computer, load it on the drive and take it to the unit, which will then facilitate the download.”

The other difference between the Echo 1 and the Mobi-Fert is that the more advanced unit allows for proportional dosing. “Both units will save you a lot of time in the field,” explains Ruan. “When you are standing at your water top-up point where you add your fertiliser, you can simply turn the selector to manual and without any dosing occuring your unit will start mixing the fertiliser. So you can essentially mix the fertiliser while you’re filling up your tank before you reach your block and you don’t lose any time. 

“We have also added a stainless-steel strainer that we put in the tank inlet where the dry fertilizer is poured into, the clean water dissolves the fertilizer in the strainer. The strainer helps to prevent any dirt or big particles to end up in the tank, everything that ends up in the tank is already constituted and ready for use.” 

But what about dosing? Do you have different options? This is yet another thing the Bekmar team took into account. “At each block tap you normally find quick-coupling fittings(nylomatics) Both of our units have a single outlet, which comes with a delivery hose that attaches to this nylomatic so the unit can dose into the tap,” Ruan explains. “The Echo 1 allows you to tell the unit how much fertiliser you want to dump onto the line (e.g. 500L). The Mobi-Fert also allow for this approach, but gives you the additional option of dosing proportionally (e.g. I want to add 20L fertiliser over a period of an hour). It will then do the necessary calculations and dose according to these instructions.” 

Both the Echo 1 and the Mobi-Fert are suitable for use with fertiliser and chemicals on just about any crop you can imagine. It’s already been used with great success on avos, citrus, macadamias, butternuts and cabbage. “It’s a great option for any grower who wants to simplify the dosing procedure in a cost-effective way. Because it’s mobile, you can move it around and use it on more than one farm, which makes it very flexible,” says Ruan. 

“Additionally, Bekmar can tailor each unit according to the preferences of the client – if there is a particular generator they want, we can include it. Or if they don’t like a horizontal pump, we can install it vertically. It takes around four days for our team to assemble a unit from scratch, which means we can have a customised Mobi-Fert ready within a week from ordering.” 

To find out more about the Mobi-Fert, get in touch with the Bekmar Irrigation team to schedule a demo today.

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If you are planning to invest in irrigation for your business in 2021, you may have asked yourself whether it will be worth your while to have the system designed professionally. After all, we’re all trying to keep our expenses as low as possible in these trying times, so DIY would probably be the best route, right?

At Bekmar Irrigation, we understand the importance of keeping overheads low all too well. This is also why we know that the saying ‘pennywise and pound-foolish’ rings very true in our industry. Here are a few important reasons to opt for a professionally designed irrigation system if you want to make the most of your investment:

There is a fair amount of complicated math involved

Even if you are operating on a very small scale, there are so many variables you need to bear in mind when it comes to irrigation. This includes things like the available or potential water volume, quality parameters, the size and topography of water source and the irrigation area, soil type, texture and structure, crop requirements, climatic conditions throughout the year, and power availability – to name but a few.

In our opinion, to expect a farmer or even a small-scale grower to know (or get to grips with) all of this while still running the rest of their agricultural business is a pretty tall order. This is why it makes sense to consult the professionals. This is what our designers deal with all day, every day, so we are able to provide you with expert guidance no matter the size of your project.

Professional designers can keep costs lower

Because businesses like Bekmar buy irrigation components from manufacturers in bulk, we get better rates, which enables us to pass those savings on to our customers. In short, we get a much better deal on things like HDPE pipes and water flow meters from our suppliers that you’d ever be able to get from the hardware store.

Additionally, we also have a good idea of the different brands and manufacturers out there, and which components work best for which applications. This allows us to make educated design decisions that don’t necessarily hinge on the most expensive components on the market – simply because we have enough experience to know where and when you can afford to opt for a more affordable pump, fitting or motor, for instance. 

Our designs keep the future in mind

What you need right now is one thing, where your irrigation system may need to go in future is another. A professional irrigation designer is able to think ahead on your behalf and tailor your system in a way that leaves room for easy changes and fuss-free additions later along the line, as well as affordable regular maintenance in the meantime.

An expert will also design the system so it can be installed in a way that will cause the least amount of disruption to the soil, and subsequent wear and tear on the components. There you have it –  three important reasons to choose professional irrigation design in 2021 and beyond if you want to make the most of your investment. Check back soon for more expert insight on agricultural irrigation. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with a member of the Bekmar Irrigation team if you would like to find out more about our professional design services.

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Start the new year on a good foot by investigating the effectiveness of your irrigation systems. The success of any given irrigation system is dependent on a wide variety of variables. However, two very important aspects should never be neglected if you want to enjoy some solid return on investment – 1) investment in high-quality components and 2) proper system maintenance.

Even if you are on a budget, maintaining your drip irrigation system will ensure that you get the most out of it in the long run. Depending on the type of set-up you have, this could include everything from checking electrical components, nozzles, and gearboxes, to adjusting sprinklers to facilitate even and consistent water distribution.

The water distribution components of your system should also be checked and maintained regularly. In the case of drip irrigation, this includes your drippers and driplines, which need to be kept scrupulously clean to keep the risk of clogging to a minimum.

Here are a few top drip irrigation tips from the Bekmar team to help you do so:

IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE STEPS TO KEEP CLOGGING AT BAY IN A DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Choose the right kind of drippers

Once it dripper is clogged, it’s rather hard to restore flow. As such, we recommend that you start by selecting drippers that do not clog easily. Ideally, you want to invest in drippers that have large filters, a design that facilitates maximum turbulence and has a pressure-regulating diaphragm that promotes self-flushing.

Get the system design right

When it comes to drip irrigation systems, you want to ensure that the design allows for sufficient flow to allow for the flushing of laterals. This is one of the most important aspects of drip irrigation maintenance.

If you are having a professional design done, request flush valves to be installed on the main and sub-main pipelines, and that each block has individual valves and injection points. This allows you to apply customised treatments to each block. You also want to have enough capacity to handle chemical treatments if it should ever come to it.

Test your water source!

Understanding your water source is key if you want to stay ahead of the clogging curve. Take a sample and send it for a full lab analysis during your planning phase. Ideally, you want to start with enough lead time, so you can take samples at different times of the year, and in different seasons to ascertain whether there is a change in quality.

The results of these tests provide professional system designers with invaluable information when it comes to choosing components and created a design that keeps clogging to a minimum. They will be looking out for things like elevated levels of iron, manganese, total suspended solids (TSS), and organic matter.

Do spot checks

Aside from adhering to a regular maintenance schedule, you should also take the time to do a few visual spot checks now and again. This entails physically cutting open a few drippers in your system to see if there are any clogs, and what could have caused it.

Apply suitable chemical treatments as required

If you do find that you have big clogging issues due to high levels of iron, manganese, total suspended solids (TSS), and organic matter, there are chemical treatments that can help. For instance, in the case of organic matter, a hydrogen peroxide treatment will oxidise the organic matter, producing harmless carbon dioxide and water that will move through the system quite easily.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT DRIP IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE BY BEKMAR

Feeling a little overwhelmed? No problem – we’re here to help. Please feel free to get in touch with the Bekmar team. One of our knowledgeable consultants will be happy to provide you with the info you require. We look forward to discussing your drip irrigation maintenance needs, as well as finding and providing a cost-effective way to keep your systems in prime working condition for many years to come.

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Southern Africa is the second region in the world, after the Middle East and North Africa, to be faced with a major water deficit, and within this reason South Africa is one of the countries with the most severe water scarcity. As such, many South African growers depend on irrigation to supplement rainfall as the principal source of water for crops throughout the country.

Our country has very volatile rainfall, both in terms of how often it rains, and where it rains. In fact, only about 12% of the country is suitable for the production of crops that are exclusively rain fed, and in these areas productivity is wholly dependent on rainfall patterns, which makes farming very challenging from a profitability point of view.

Predictions based on climate change models show that rainfall patterns are likely to become even more erratic in years to come, and that the country’s arable land will shrink as conditions become more unpredictable. At the same time, the demand for food will increase as populations continue to grow, which means farmers will need to find ways to keep up their productivity.

Kofi Anna, the UN Secretary General, is quoted as saying, “We need a Blue Revolution in agriculture that focuses on increasing productivity per unit of water – more crop per drop.” At Bekmar Irrigation, we tend to agree, which is why our team places a firm focus on soil testing to determine water and irrigation requirements.

There are various methods and devices to measure soil water. Here are 7 of the most commonly used:

1. The Feel Method

The feel method is exactly what it says – you feel the soil with your hand to see whether it is dry or moist. If it is dry, irrigation is applied. This method, although somewhat suitable to small-scale growing operations and home gardens, is quite subjective and not very scientific. The individual doing the feeling also has to be very experienced and intuitive if the method is to work.

• The Gravimetric Method

Another low-tech method that can be used to check soil water, but is not very practical for daily irrigation-based measurements, is the gravimetric method. A soil sample is taken from the desired depth, weighed, dried in an oven for a day and then weighed again to see how much moisture was lost. It is best used when calibrating soil-measurement devices.

• The Tensiometer

A tensiometer is a device that measures negative pressure in the form of soil water suction that is expressed in terms of tension. The force of the suction indicates the energy that a plant would have to expend to draw water from the soil. This device is simply to use but can give faulty readings if it is not serviced and calibrated on a regular basis.

• Electrical Resistance Blocks

Electrical resistance blocks, sometimes referred to as gypsum blocks, are an inexpensive and simple soil moisture measurement tool. It monitors soil moisture indirectly by measuring the electrical resistance between two electrodes attached to a small, cast block of gypsum buried in the soil.

• The Neutron Probe

A neutron probe is a sophisticated and accurate piece of equipment that measures the moisture content in soil by scattering fast neutrons, which are deflected by hydrogen, and providing information on the amount of deflection, which is directly related to the soil moisture in the soil.

It normally comprises of a nuclear unit, suspended on a cable, which is both a neutron source and detector, a housing containing the electronic receptors, as well as a shield for safe transportation of the radioactive device.

• The Phene Cell

The Phene cell is based on the principle that a soil conducts heat in relation to its water content. It measures the heat conducted from a heat source and calibrates the conductance versus water content for a specific soil in order to determine soil-water content.

• The Time Domain Reflectometer

Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is an indirect measure of soil water content based on the travel time of a high frequency electromagnetic pulse through the soil; this travel time is used to calculate the permittivity (dielectric constant) of the material.

There you have it – seven methods of measuring soil water in order to make sound decisions regarding irrigation. For more information on the various ways you can test your soil to determine your water- and irrigation requirements, feel free to get in touch with the Bekmar Irrigation team. In the meantime, remember to check back soon for more insider info and expert tips on getting the most from your soil.

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Urban farming is a hot trend at the moment, and with very good reason – more and more people are moving to cities to seek out economic opportunities that aren’t available in rural areas. In fact, the International Organization for Migration estimated that around 3 million people are moving to cities every week in 2015 already. Currently, approximately 54% of people worldwide now live in cities, which is up from 30% in 1950.

Additionally, the world population is expected to grow by over a third, or 2.3 billion people, in the leadup to 2050. Almost half of this growth is expected to take place in developing countries like South Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa’s population is estimated to grow the fastest, with an increase of up to 114%. That’s a lot of people who need food. 

It is estimated that to keep up with the demand for food production globally over the course of the next three decades, farmers around the world will need up to twice the amount of arable land and water they currently have at their disposal. With both these resources under extreme pressure as it stands, another solution is required, and urban farming is the answer.

After all, it only makes sense to supplement the food we’re growing on farms and in rural areas with food produced in the cities where people live and work. By making use of smart technology and clever space-saving growth measures, it’s possible to grow fresh, healthy fruit, vegetables and herbs that are immediately available to the surrounding population without any added carbon emissions since it doesn’t have to be trucked in from far away.

Tailored irrigation makes all the difference in terms of resource use and yield when it comes to urban farming. By managing moisture precisely, urban farmers can improve their yields significantly and manage their crop according to their desired outcomes.

Urban farming irrigation leverages traditional agricultural irrigation practices in combination with cutting-edge nutrition solution delivery tactics and hydroponics to offer so-called ‘city farmers’ cost-effective, scalable ways to feed and water their crops efficiently.

Here are a few of the most obvious benefits of investing in an urban farming irrigation system that has been tailored to your needs:

1. A highly adaptable system with readily available materials saves a lot of time on watering, as opposed to manual watering.
2. It also saves water by delivering the exact amount of water required right at the base of your plants and down into the root system.
3. Using filtered water or rain water that is free of chlorine and chloramines, urban farmers can build the natural microbiology in their gardens to get better tastes and healthier plants from everything they grow.
4. Precise moisture management can improve yields significantly.
5. With the right kind of system in place it’s easy and convenient to add nutrients and fertilisers to the water as needed.

Get in touch to find out more about tailored irrigation options

At Bekmar Irrigation, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. That’s why we like to provide our clients with tailored advice based on the parameters of their particular urban farming location, crops, and production goals.

After all, the functionality of a hobby greenhouse irrigation system will differ vastly from the set-up required by a big growth operation that has firm contracts in place to supply fruit and vegetables to major retailers on a monthly or weekly basis. As such, our urban farming irrigation advice will always be based on your particular needs.

Get in touch with the Bekmar team today to discuss your requirements – our team is standing by with expert advice to help you take your urban farming operation to the next level.

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Green beans do not enjoy extremes, so achieving maximum yields when you choose to grow this crop in South Africa can be a bit of a tall order. This is especially true of areas like the Highveld and Lowveld, where climatic conditions can be either a little too warm or a little too cold, depending on when you plant.

However, it can be a very lucrative crop on a commercial scale (and a versatile, tasty one on smaller scale) when you practice the right type of irrigation. In fact, irrigation is crucial when you grow green beans because the plants are made up of soft tissues that wilt very easily. Wilting leads to yield losses straight off the bat, so if you want to be successful in raising a green bean crop you’ll require access to sufficient water right throughout the growing season.

Here are a few more things you should know about irrigating green beans for maximum yields in South Africa:

Irrigation holds countless benefits for green bean growers

When green bean plants have an adequate water supply, growers can look forward to larger, more vigorous plant stands, a greater production of pods, larger pods that carry larger, stronger seeds, as well as a higher total yield or marketable mass.

It’s not just about nutrient delivery

South Africa’s harsh climate necessitates access to irrigation to cool down green bean plants over the hottest parts of the day. There are very few areas in which night-time irrigation is sufficient. The ideal set-up is one in which the grower can switch on irrigation in the middle of the day to cool down the plant itself.

It’s important to take soil type into account

Green beans are known for their shallow root system and short growth cycle, both of which make this crop very sensitive to moisture stress. The best type and frequency of irrigation to use for green bean production depends greatly on soil type.

In clay soils, too much moisture reduces oxygen content and reduces yields by a fair amount. Irrigate too often and roots will die, leaving the plant to wilt and the pods to falter in their growth. Soggy soil will also make harvesting more difficult, lowering profit margins overall. Sandy soils are not quite as finicky, but vigilant testing of soil moisture should still be practiced in order to ensure that your plants are getting enough water in these porous soils.

Sprinkler VS flood VS drip irrigation for green beans

Green beans do well with both sprinkler and flood irrigation. When water is in short supply, however, sprinkler irrigation holds a few clear benefits, especially in the time just before the beans are due to emerge. Sprinklers wet the soil surface, which makes it easy for cotyledon to penetrate the soil surface.

Commercial green bean growers also opt for drip irrigation in regions where water is particularly expensive because the precise application at each growth stage increases total yields. This, in turns, helps to pay off the initial costs of the infrastructure fairly easily over a couple of years. However, growers should bear in mind that drip irrigation systems can suffer from blockages and normally requires a large number of pipes.

There you have it – best-practice guidelines for irrigating green beans for maximum yield throughout the growing season in South Africa.

Would you like to find out more about green bean irrigation, as well as the irrigation services and solutions that Bekmar Irrigation offers? Get in touch with one of our knowledgeable consultants today for more information. Our team looks forward to discussing your requirements, as well as finding and providing an affordable, future-proof irrigation set-up that ticks all of your must-have boxes. 

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South Africa may be in the grips of a lockdown to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but that does not mean that the agricultural community has been resting on its laurels – not by a long shot. In fact, even though the borders may be closed and severe restrictions have been placed on sectors like the wine industry, South Africa’s immense productive farms have been hard at work keeping the nation afloat.

Good news from within the South African Agri-industry

According to Tonie Fuchs, Managing Director at Capespan Group Limited, agriculture is thriving. The sector grew by 28% in the first quarter of 2020 while the economy as a whole shrunk by 2%. Further good news includes that agricultural economists expect the second-largest grain harvest in SA’s history and that the maize harvest is forecast to be 38% larger than what was gleaned in 2019. Not to mention the citrus harvest that is poised to be at least 13% larger than last year’s.

Even in areas like the Swartland in the Western Cape, which is notoriously dry, producers like Stephan Basson from Babylon’s Peak have been hard at work during their ‘downtime’, planting 20ha of new vineyards and boring for new water sources to supplement their existing resources in the coming summer months.

In short – the news from within the South African growing community is good. The positive growth in this sector can in large part be ascribed to an increased focus on making sustainable choices when it comes to the maintenance and irrigation of large-scale corps. SA farmers understand that our natural resources are under severe pressure and that it’s up to them to ensure the longevity of their respective enterprises by investing in emerging smart irrigation technologies that optimise water use. 

How can you increase water efficiency on your farm in 2020?

The volume of water used by irrigated agriculture has been estimated to be between 51% and 63% of total water available in South Africa. This means that farmers and agri-business owners have the responsibility to use this water available extremely efficiently in order to ensure maximal yields, food security for the nation and the growth of the industry in general.

Fortunately, there are various cost-effective ways to do so. Here are a few of the most basic ways in which precious water sources can be put to efficient use on farms of all shapes and sizes:

1. Start by selecting water-wise crops that are suited to the soil type and prevailing weather conditions in your region.
2. Prepare your soil well, making sure that optimal tillage is employed to avoid unwanted compacting and nutrient leeching in future. Practice soil conservation for long-term sustainability. 
3. Plant and harvest at the optimal time for each crop – by following the natural rhythms of nature, farmers can optimise the usage or resources immensely.
4. Plant cover crops to increase soil organic matter, reduce unwanted evaporation, soil erosion, soil compaction, and control weeds.
5. Irrigate at high frequency and in the exact amounts needed to prevent water deficits, taking account of weather conditions and crop growth stages. This is where smart irrigation systems, such as those supplied by Bekmar Irrigation, come in.

These are just a few of the steps you can take to increase water efficiency throughout your operation. There are many other measures that can be taken to ensure that you’re making every drop count from the moment you put the seeds in the soil, until your crops are harvested and safely shipped off to market.

Would you like to learn more about automatic watering systems and how smart irrigation systems can simply your life and increase the water efficiency of your agricultural businesses? Get in touch with the Bekmar team today. Call 015 307 5990 to speak to one of our knowledgeable consultants and take advantage of our vast industry experience today.

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Technology is developing at a rapid pace, and it’s a good thing too – at a time when our natural resources are under severe pressure, more and more producers and private individuals are looking towards smart systems to ensure that they are making sustainable choices when it comes to the maintenance and upkeep of everything from large-scale crops to small home gardens.

What exactly is smart irrigation?

‘Smart irrigation’ refers to automatic watering systems that leverage technology to optimise water use. Also referred to as ‘digital farming solutions’ these cutting-edge systems provide the user with the ability to monitor and control their water use much more effectively than ever before, based on decision support from a range of digital tools that operate as a seamless whole.

The benefits of automatic watering systems for agricultural businesses

Every South African farmer knows that you need to expect a certain degree of operational loss when your operation depends on irrigation. Currently, there are more than 1,5 million hectares of agricultural land under irrigation in sunny SA. At a time when water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource, it’s therefore vital that each and every farming operation takes responsibility for their usage.

By investing in smart irrigations systems, producers can:

• Lay the groundwork for good management based on accurate measurements and diligent record-keeping.
• Curb the unnecessary loss of water, fertilisers and soil nutrients due to overwatering.
• Prevent algal blooms and eutrophication downstream from their lands due to the overuse of fertiliser to make up for irrigation-related nutrient leeching.
• And so much more.

The three main types of irrigation available to South African farmers include flood irrigation, mobile irrigation and static irrigation. Each system has its benefits and limitations, and the success or failure thereof depends on very careful selection. As such, it’s always best to consult the professionals when it comes to the planning, design and management of an automatic watering system.

The benefits of smart irrigation for homeowners

However, it’s not only the owners and proprietors of large-scale agricultural businesses who stand to benefit from the use of smart irrigation. Homeowners and smaller-scale producers can also reap the rewards of investment in future-proof systems like these. The two main types of smart irrigations suitable for home use include:

• Weather-based irrigation systems. These smart systems use feedback on conditions like temperature, rainfall, and solar radiation on a given property to adapt the duration and timing of irrigation cycles for optimal impact. When properly installed, used and maintained, these systems can cut water spend by up to 25%, often paying for itself in terms of water savings in less than two years.
• Moisture-based irrigation systems. These set-ups measure the actual moisture content of the soil and adjusts the time and duration of the irrigation cycle based on this data. This is typically the more expensive option, but when it is calibrated by a professional it is extremely efficient because it uses site-specific data pertaining to each site and foliage type on your property.

DID YOU KNOW? You can grow up to R12 000 worth of food in a home garden as small as 30m x 30m each year if you prepare your soil properly, select the right crops, do the proper fertilising and focus on optimal irrigation. That’s a lot of health-boosting organic, plastic-free goodness your family could be enjoying from farm to fork right on your own little patch of land.

Would you like to learn more about automatic watering systems and how smart irrigation systems can simply your life? Get in touch with the Bekmar team today. Call 015 307 5990 to speak to one of our knowledgeable consultants and take advantage of our vast industry experience today.

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Do I need a water flow meter for my home irrigation system?

At Bekmar Irrigation, we understand all too well that you might be pretty tired of being marketed at continuously. Back in the 70s, it was reported that the average person saw between 500 to 1600 ads per day. Today that number has skyrocketed to between 4000 to 10 000 advertisements every day, depending on how many media channels you frequently visit. That’s a lot.

Suffice it to say, we don’t sell our clients things they don’t need, and we won’t ever try to upsell you on a piece of equipment that falls outside of your express requirements. Which brings us to water flow meters, and whether you need one for your home irrigation system. Most commercial irrigation systems have a flow meter installed to keep track of water usage, but smaller home systems don’t necessarily come part and parcel with this measurement tool. So, do you need one?

The short answer is that a water flow meter is very useful, but your home irrigation system could operate without it. The long answer is there are many benefits associated with the installation of a water meter, even on very small systems. Here are a few of those benefits:

The benefits of installing a water flow meter

1. It helps you to save water. The major water restrictions we faced a few years ago may be suspended for the time being, but water will never again be a plentiful resource, especially in drought-prone countries like South Africa. Water has also become incredibly expensive, even if you are only irrigating a home garden or small growth operation. A water flow meter can help you to keep track of your usage and save you from any nasty surprises when the monthly municipal bill arrives.  
2. It shows whether your water-saving initiatives are successful. If you are gathering rain- or grey water to supplement the municipal water you use for home irrigation, you may not have any way of knowing whether your conservation tactics are working. With flow sensors, you can measure exactly how much water you are putting out at all times.
3. You’ll know if your sprinkler heads are clogged. A water flow meter will pick up if your sprinkler heads aren’t fully operational. This will allow you to fix it before any of your plants start to suffer due to a lack of resources.
4. You’ll be able to keep your landscape healthy and beautiful. Overwatering is just as dangerous for plants as under-watering. With a flow meter in the mix, you’ll be able to gauge whether certain zones are being overwatered.
5. And so much more! Ask a Bekmar representative for more info if you need it.

What kind of water flow meter should I get?

The two most commonly-used flow meters that feature on home irrigation systems are electromagnetic and propeller. Mechanical propeller meters have been in use since the early 1900s, and are still very popular in South Africa and around the globe, particularly in the USA. However, it can be a little expensive to repair. Contemporary electromagnetic flow meters are battery powered can be used for remote irrigation applications. It also takes up less space and there aren’t any moving parts that can wear out.

So, which kind is best for you? Here are a few questions to ask yourself when choosing a water flow meter:

1. What kind of water are you pumping? Mechanical meters work fine in clean water, but if you’re dealing with water from a pond, lagoon or borehole, a magnetic flow meter will provide a more accurate reading.
2. What is your flow range? A propeller meter needs a certain minimum flow to get the system going fast enough to get an accurate reading. It can also be damaged if the flow range is too low. Magnetic flow meters don’t have this issue.
3. What is the size of your line? The size of your line determines the style of water flow meter that will be best suited to your needs. Both mechanical and magnetic meters are available in full bore and insertion-style configurations, the latter of which is the better option for larger line sizes.

Find out more about water flow meters from Bekmar

Feeling a little overwhelmed with choice? No problem – we’re here to help. Please feel free to get in touch with the Bekmar team. One of our knowledgeable consultants will be happy to provide you with the info you require. We look forward to discussing your water flow meter needs, as well as finding and providing a cost-effective measurement solution that will round off your home irrigation system to perfection.

The post Water Flow Meter appeared first on Bekmar

At Bekmar Irrigation, we take great pride in offering our valued clientele a variety of innovative irrigation solutions that include everything from micro-irrigation systems to full-scale fertigation set-ups. However, we also realise that great irrigation systems require certain vital components to operate effectively, which is why we insist on using high-quality parts every step of the way.

This includes the HDPE pipes that form a part of almost every project and system we design and install. This irrigation staple is one of the most important components of any water-based system – it plays a fundamental role in how well it works and how long it lasts. Today we’ll share the answers to some frequently asked questions we’ve encountered about this type of piping.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HDPE PIPES

What does HDPE stand for?

HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene – a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. The strong molecular bond and high level of impermeability of this particular polymer makes it exceptionally suitable for use in high-pressure pipelines.

Why are there different colours?

HDPE piping normally comes in black, blue or purple. Black is used for irrigation water, blue for potable water and purple to indicate treated water.

What sizes and lengths are available?

That depends on the supplier you use. When you invest in HDPE piping from Bekmar, it is available in in sizes ranging from 20mm to 1000mm that be ordered in coils, reels or sticks. Longer lengths eliminate the need for frequent joints, which is vital if you want your irrigation system to remain leak-free.

What are the benefits of using HDPE pipes?

HDPE pipes offer a variety of benefits for the private homeowner and agricultural producer. This includes:

• Longevity. HDPE pipes are resistant to chemicals, abrasion, fatigue, seismic activity and corrosion, which means it lasts longer than other types of piping.
• Easy handling. Although HDPE piping is known for its superior strength and durability, it is also lightweight and flexible, which makes for easy handling.
• Exceptional value. The use of HDPE piping leads to significant overall cost savings for both homeowners and agricultural producers.
• Leak resistance. The HDPE material makes it possible to manufacture a strong, continuous pipe that is created through heat fusion, which means there are no weak joints that can leak or break.

How long has HDPE piping been used?

High density polyethylene (HDPE) has been used in municipal and industrial applications for 50+ years. In short – it’s been tried and tested and found to be a great addition to a wide variety of irrigation systems all over the world. This include many South African farms, where HDPE piping has proved its mettle in operations of all shapes and sizes.

Would you recommend HDPE pipes?

“We would definitely recommend the use of HDPE pipes to our clients,” says Bekmar managing director Paul van den Berg. “In fact, we do so almost every day. Our aim has always been to find the most cost-effective, long-lasting components to underpin the functionality of the irrigation systems we design and install, and we have found that HDPE pipes deliver exceptional results every time. As such, we feel more than comfortable in recommending this type of piping for use in a variety of home- and agricultural applications.”

Find out more about HDPE pipes from Bekmar

If you still haven’t found the information you need about HDPE pipes, please feel free to get in touch with our team. One of our knowledgeable consultants will be happy to provide you with the info you require. We look forward to discussing your HDPE piping needs, as well as finding and providing an affordable, future-proof irrigation set-up that ticks all of your must-have boxes. 

The post HDPE Pipe FAQs: Everything you need to know about this irrigation staple appeared first on Bekmar