A successful growing season depends on robust irrigation systems. Here’s how Motion can help lay the groundwork for irrigation success.
Irrigation is the lifeblood of many Australian crops – particularly through the critical spring-to-summer growing window when rainfall can be unreliable. In 2020-21 farmers used 7.8 million megalitres of water across 1.9 million hectares of land, amounting to a staggering 74% of the nation’s water consumption.
With so much invested in every megalitre, any interruption to water delivery during peak growth can put whole seasons at risk – not to mention farmers’ bottom lines.
Key pain points in the field
Even the best-laid irrigation program can come unstuck if key components fail. Long runs of hose weather tough conditions, centre-pivots and pumps work around the clock – there are many potential weak links that can jeopardise water supply just when crops need it most.
- Hose wear and replacement costs
Layflat, drag and irrigation hoses are dragged across rough ground day after day. UV exposure, kinking and abrasion can quickly cause pinholes or splits, forcing unplanned change-outs and labour costs while precious water drains away. - Centre-Pivot and pump failures
Centre-pivot systems must rotate smoothly and deliver constant pressure. Gearbox wear, seal leaks or misalignment can stall the rig, while cavitation, bearing failure or overheating can sideline irrigation pumps. Even a short outage can affect yield potential. - Limited visibility
Most breakdowns are discovered only when the water stops – too late to prevent crop stress. Without early warning, farmers are left scrambling for replacement parts in the middle of a busy season.
How Motion keeps growers growing
Motion’s nationwide branch network carries an extensive hose portfolio – from premium abrasion-resistant layflat, through to value-focused in-house brands – rated for the high working pressures common in broadacre centre-pivots and travelling irrigators. Local stock means fast change-outs, while the team can specify correct hose grades and cam-lock fittings to minimise kinking and extend service life …
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Reference
1 https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/products/insights/snapshot-of-australian-agriculture
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