Farming Goods, Supplies and Equipment

What Size Water Storage Tank Do You Need for Agricultural Use?

30 March 2020 by Clinton Sutton

If you're growing crops on a small, medium, or large scale, you need a backup source of water for your plants. Investing in a water storage tank is an excellent way of offsetting the dry spells and irrigate your crops. As you go shopping for a water tank, here are three factors to help you find the right size for your needs.

1. Water Requirements on Your Farm

Before you decide to buy a water tank, think about your irrigation needs. How much water do you need to keep your crops healthy? How big is your farm and at what stages of growth do the plants require water? For example, if you're growing corn or beans, you will only need water during the initial stages of growth. However, if you are growing vegetables such as leafy greens, you have to water them throughout the year to maintain their yield.

For produce with high water intake, you will require a bigger storage tank to ensure a constant supply of water. Similarly, if you have a large farm, you will need a bigger tank than another farmer who's farming on a smaller scale.

2. Average Rainfall in Your Area

An essential factor to consider when choosing a water tank size is the average rainfall in your area. Some parts of the country get more rain than others. Therefore, if this average doesn't meet your crops' needs, you need a lot of supplemental water to meet the deficit. In this case, you will require a bigger water tank for your irrigation needs.

As you consider the average rainfall, think about the seasons you farm as well. Someone who farms in the wettest months would require less water storage than another farmer who plants in September. Consider your planting and harvest cycles to help you determine the tank size you need.

3. Available Space for Installation

Sometimes, the size of the tank isn't a significant consideration. However, you have to assess the installation space. If you only have space for a 5000-gallon tank with 100" diameter, you cannot install a 10000-gallon tank. Therefore, inspect the installation site to determine whether there's enough space for the projected tank size. As you choose your location, remember to consider other factors such as:

• the proximity to the plumbing system
• how you'll harvest rainwater
• the proximity to the farm

For example, if you intend to harvest rainwater using the tank, you need to install it near your house or on the roof. Ultimately, the available space will determine what size tank you should buy.

Getting the right water tank is an essential step in ensuring you have adequate farming water all year round. Talk to farming services to determine if you need a 5000-gallon water tank.

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