Water is an essential component for vegetable growth and health. To produce almost any crop in Ohio, large quantities of water are needed from either rain or irrigation, or a combination of both. For some crops, 400-600 pounds of water will be needed to produce one pound of dry matter. There are numerous considerations for growers thinking of investing in an irrigation system. Proper soil tilth, organic matter and weed control are necessary for vegetables to benefit from irrigation.
Good drainage is very important for successful irrigation.
Tile and surface drainage should be installed before irrigation to avoid crop damage. Where a farm pond is the water source, 1.0-1.5 acre feet of water should be stored for each acre to be irrigated. When an irrigation well is to be drilled, the ODNR Division of Water, Fountain Square, Columbus 43224, should be contacted to determine if an adequate groundwater supply is available. One man-hour of labor per acre is required for a handmoved irrigation system. Each system must be tailored to fit the particular job.