Farm productivity increases by 71% with the help of irrigation

With each passing harvest, costs on properties only increase, expenses with machinery, fuel and bills are recurring and growing. On the other hand, on many farms productivity, especially in recent years, remains static, that is, with the increase in expenses and stagnation in income, the account does not close. It was one of these reasons that led farmer and administrator, Eliezer Zimerman, to promote major changes on his property.

The farmer who grows soybeans and corn in an area of ​​600 hectares resorted to irrigation. With the equipment, in an area of ​​240 hectares, in this last harvest, the property had an average productivity of 60 bags of oilseed per hectare, while in non-irrigated areas, productivity was 35 bags per hectare. In other words, an increase in productivity by 71%.

Due to the positioning of the pivot, it is not possible to extend irrigation to 100% of the area, but according to Zimerman, there is the intention and projects to increase the irrigated area by another 30%, which for this property would already be ideal. “The use of irrigation on our property is strategic, as a complement to the rain. The pivot gives us the security of harvesting a much better and more constant harvest”, highlights the producer.

Unprecedented investment in Maranhão

To make Eliezer's project viable, he had to build a high-flow tubular well on his property. However, as there was no such model in the State until then, he had to be patient and persistent for his project to be approved. “It was very difficult to obtain the license, as the responsible bodies were not even aware of a high-flow well. It took two years to get the license,” says Zimerman.

In addition to the bureaucratic part, the decision to build the well needed to be very well thought out and planned, as the project required a high investment, of around R$1,5 million, without being sure that there would be enough water. “Thank God our project worked, and we have an excellent flow. Now we are a reference in the region, I always receive visits from rural producers who come to see our work”, says the producer.

With the implementation of the well, Zimerman was able to install two Zimmatic by Lindsay central irrigation pivots. The equipment is designed for both small and large areas. Its modular design allows Lindsay to configure long systems and reduce system cost. Each pivot is implemented according to specific climate, topography and cultural conditions.

Remote irrigation

In addition to Zimmatic center pivots, the farm also uses FieldNET, another Lindsay solution. The remote management tool enables irrigation on various types of terrain and soil to increase productivity and better utilize natural resources. Furthermore, management is wireless and fully integrated and allows you to view and control your systems from practically anywhere, simply by accessing it from a cell phone, computer or tablet.