Seasonal Preparation and Maintenance of Irrigation Systems: Coping with Extreme Winter and Summer Weather

Seasonal Preparation and Maintenance of Irrigation Systems: Coping with Extreme Winter and Summer Weather

Irrigation systems are like the "blood vessels" of farmland. To ensure their long-term reliable operation, targeted seasonal preparation and maintenance are essential, taking into account the characteristics of extreme winter and summer weather. This is not only to prevent equipment damage but also to guarantee uninterrupted water supply during critical farming periods. The core principle is: preventing blockages, bursts, and overheating in summer; and preventing freezing, cracking, and corrosion in winter.

Summer (High Temperature, High Load Operation Period) Preparation and Maintenance Focus:

Sun Protection and Overheating Prevention:

Water Pumps: Ensure water pumps (especially the motor part) are installed in a cool, well-ventilated place to avoid overheating and burnout due to direct sunlight. Regularly clean dust and debris from the motor casing to ensure good heat dissipation.

Plastic Pipes and Equipment: For PVC or PE pipes, hoses, drip irrigation tapes, etc., exposed to sunlight, cover them with old cloth or straw mats, or bury them shallowly to slow down aging and embrittlement caused by ultraviolet radiation.

Preventing Blockages (Core Task):

Enhanced Filtration: In summer, the amount of algae and impurities in water sources (such as ponds and rivers) increases. The filter screen or filter element must be cleaned frequently to ensure it is in optimal working condition and prevent clogging of drippers and sprinklers.

Regular Flushing of the Pipe Network: After each irrigation period or monthly, open the end caps of the branch pipes and lateral pipes and flush them with high pressure to remove accumulated sediment, biofilm, and other impurities from the pipes.

Preventing Pipe Bursts and Leaks:

Check Pressure: High temperatures can cause the water temperature and pressure in the pipes to rise. Check if the system's working pressure is normal to avoid prolonged overpressure operation.

Inspect Pipelines: Regularly inspect all exposed pipes and joints for cracks or leaks caused by aging due to sun exposure, and repair or replace them promptly.

Winter (Freezing Dormancy Period) Preparation and Maintenance Focus:

Thorough Drainage for Freeze Protection (Most Important, Must Be Performed):

Core Operation: In late autumn before the soil freezes, the system must be thoroughly drained.

Method: Turn off the water source, open the drain valves and relief valves in all areas, and drain all the water from the water pump, filter, fertilizer tank, valves, and all pipes (especially those in lower positions and shallowly buried). For pipes that cannot be drained manually, a compressor can be used to blow out residual water.

Equipment Disassembly and Indoor Storage:

Disassemble key and vulnerable equipment such as water pumps, filters, fertilizer tanks, pressure gauges, and sprinklers. Clean them thoroughly, dry them, and store them in a dry, frost-free indoor location.

Roll up movable hoses and drip irrigation tapes in the field, clean them, and store them in a warehouse.

Protection of Exposed Parts:

Apply a small amount of grease or anti-rust oil to metal parts such as valves and iron connectors that cannot be disassembled to prevent corrosion.

Check and tighten all doors and windows of well houses and pumping stations to prevent wind and snow from entering.

Pre-Spring Activation Check:

Before the first irrigation in spring, do not connect the field equipment. Only open the water source and main pipeline to check the entire system under pressure for any cracks or leaks caused by freezing and thawing. After confirming that there are no leaks, gradually install the field equipment.

General Points Throughout the Year:

Keep records: Record the date and content of each seasonal maintenance in a logbook to form a fixed procedure.

Monitor weather: Pay close attention to weather warnings. Before extreme high temperatures or cold waves arrive, take additional protective or drainage measures.

By implementing this set of targeted seasonal maintenance procedures, you can minimize the problems of "no water in hot weather, and equipment failure in cold weather," ensuring that the irrigation system can be reliably started whenever needed, becoming a solid support for resisting extreme weather and guaranteeing agricultural production.