AgroPages-Trimble enhances its Irrigate-IQ solution with unique pressure regulating technology-Agricultural news

Trimble introduced today its Irrigate-IQ™ optimal flow solution. This industry-first technology enables growers without a variable frequency drive irrigation pump to focus their irrigation efforts onto areas of their fields that produce the best return on investment.

Irrigate-IQ optimal flow enables growers who have standard irrigation pump equipment to incorporate no spray areas within their irrigation plan. By utilizing no spray areas, growers concentrate their irrigation efforts in portions of their field that are highest producing, which can lead to maximized yield. This is especially valuable in regions with water restrictions or limited water resources.

Growers without a variable frequency drive pump are typically unable to use no spray areas in their irrigation plans without risking damage to their equipment due to significant pressure changes. As a result, these growers have been unable to optimize water resources across their fields to improve crop quality and yield.

With its unique technology, Irrigate-IQ optimal flow utilizes standard pump equipment to keep water pressure regulated across the entire pivot, even when operating in no spray areas. The system allows the pivot to operate within a defined pressure range, even as the water table reduces throughout the growing season and less water is available, or if a well goes out. This reduces the risk for equipment damage.

"We are excited to be the first in the industry to enable growers without a variable frequency drive to begin enjoying the benefits of using no spray areas," said David Fitzpatrick, Water Solutions business area director of Trimble's Agriculture Division. "Many growers farm in areas with water restrictions or limited water resources. With Irrigate-IQ optimal flow, these growers can move water to the highest producing areas of their fields without making a substantial investment in a variable frequency drive pump. This means growers can maximize their yields with minimal investment."

"In west Texas we never have enough water, and the irrigation experts here have found that between 15 and 30 percent of all acres under a pivot are what I like to call 'bad dirt.' These areas do not produce high yields no matter the inputs," said Jerry Brightbill, owner of South Plains Precision Ag, a Trimble reseller who sells the Irrigate-IQ solution. "Over the last several years we spent between $125 and $175 per acre on irrigation in west Texas, which means we lost money on every gallon we put on bad dirt. With Irrigate-IQ optimal flow we can apply water directly on areas of the field that will produce the highest yield. As a result, I believe this technology can transform the way we irrigate in the future."