What does a farmer need to know before installing a precision irrigation system?
Before investing in an irrigation system, farmers should first evaluate the available water sources: Is there a well, a surface or underground reservoir, or a nearby water network? The distance from the water source to the field is also a key factor.
The next step is water quality. Not all water is suitable for irrigation, so it's essential to classify the water source. Timing also matters – building a full-scale irrigation system can take up to six months from planning to installation, so it's important to plan ahead.
How much does it cost – and is it worth it?
Precision irrigation systems require a higher initial investment compared to traditional solutions, but they deliver lower operational costs, more predictable results, and increased yields over time.After the decision is made and the initial needs assessment form is filled out, we offer a free on-site evaluation. Our engineering team designs a customized solution based on the type of crop and location. We guide farmers through every step – from design and manufacturing to installation and system handover. We also provide technical support and training to ensure long-term success.
Which irrigation technologies fit which crops?
Field crops (e.g., cereals, corn, oilseeds): We typically recommend underground or surface dripline systems. Subsurface driplines are installed at 30–60 cm depth to minimize evaporation and ensure targeted delivery.
Vegetables: Ideal solutions include micro-sprinklers, surface or shallow-buried drip tape, and ridge-placed drip lines. Burying the tape protects it from birds and other pests. For frost-sensitive crops, swing-arm sprinklers and frost-resistant micro-sprinklers can be added.
Orchards and nurseries: Micro-sprinklers, subsurface or cordon driplines, and mushroom drippers are effective. For frost protection and atmospheric drought mitigation, we recommend systems with micro-sprinklers for cooling and humidification.
What about return on investment?
ROI depends on crop value, installed technology, and overall production costs. High-value crops can repay the investment in just 3–4 years. For grains or oilseeds, it may take longer—however, due to increasingly extreme weather, the need for irrigation is rising. In many cases, farmers report total crop failure without irrigation, making the payback much faster.
What are the most advanced irrigation technologies today?
The latest trend in precision agriculture includes fully automated, sensor-driven subsurface drip systems enriched with nutrients. In greenhouses, this can be combined with climate control systems, cooling/humidification nozzles, and even partial runoff water recycling. Except for runoff recycling equipment, Poliext provides a full range of irrigation products and services. We also believe in knowledge sharing: through professional field days, interactive presentations, and factory visits, we offer hands-on learning about smart irrigation.
What are the current trends in irrigation?
Sustainability and efficiency are leading the way. One-season solutions are no longer viable unless they are recyclable. Rising input prices are driving demand for technologies that optimize fertilizer and water use. Precision irrigation meets this need by delivering water and nutrients based on plant-specific requirements. The list of irrigated crops is also expanding—vineyards, for instance, are now widely irrigated.
Poliext's vision: from pipes to complete irrigation systems
We aim for the name Poliext to stand not only for high-quality plastic pipe production but also for fully integrated irrigation solutions. At conferences, trade shows, and expert events, we share our know-how and showcase exclusive technology—some of which is only available in Hungary.
Our newest product, the T-500 PoliFlat dripline, features a world-class dripper developed in-house for partners who demand premium quality.
We also recommend our advanced fertigation and filtration stations for optimal system performance.
Polifert - Automatic fertigation unit
Filter station kit
Feel free to reach out to us at export@poliext.com
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