What’s New In Irrigation
December 1, 2009 
Even in the generally wet climate of Florida, irrigation is critical in producing viable fruit and vegetable crops. The past few years of drought have driven home the precious resource that fresh water is in sustaining crop production and life itself.
More and more emphasis is being placed on water resources and quality in Florida and around the nation. The term “carbon footprint” has become omnipresent in the debate on climate change, and the term “water footprint” is hot on its heels as scarcity of water is realized around the world due to population growth.
In a world where water is scarce, you can expect irrigation providers to step up and provide new, advanced technology that will allow growers to conserve more and be extremely efficient and precise with their water applications.
In this showcase, a few irrigation suppliers feature new products to help keep Florida growing the best fresh produce in the world.
MaxiJet Max-360 Blueberry Jet
This is the only spray jet available specifically designed for blueberry plants. The pattern covers a 4 to 5 feet diameter, so when placed between the plants, there is excellent coverage of the root zone area. The Max-360 Blueberry Jet is equipped with a down spray stream pattern to keep water off leaves and berries and allow little to no wind deflection. Spray jets will irrigate 90% to 100% of the root zone versus drip that covers less than half.
For more information, call MaxiJet at 800-881-6294 or visit www.maxijet.com.
Reinke Flexible Three-Wheel Tower
The new Flexible Three-Wheel Tower is designed to provide improved flotation and traction in difficult soils and operates using all standard drivetrain components. The flexible tower design keeps all three tires on the ground at all times. This places a more consistent load on the drivetrain even while it provides power to all three wheels. Keeping all three wheels on the ground reduces the load on each tire and improves flotation, thereby reducing wheel ruts.
For more information, call Reinke at 402-365-7251 or visit www.reinke.com.
Toro Micro-Irrigation Layflat Hose
Layflat Hose is a popular product among agricultural growers for sub-main piping in a drip irrigation system. Toro will stock 1.5 to 8 inches. Layflat Hose in their Sanford location. Layflat is commonly used for mainlines and sub-mains for irrigation lateral lines and for general water transfer. Key reasons why customers use layflat as an alternative to other piping materials include ease of installation and removal, system portability, and the ability to handle higher pressures.
For more information, call Toro at 407-321-2901 or visit www.toromicroirrigation.com.
Subscribe Today For
