Irrigation challenges in the greenhouse sector are unique due to the confined space and specialized water requirements. Jake Beam, Technical Sales Manager at Reinke, mentions how their technology is relevant to this industry, particularly concerning water efficiency. "It doesn't matter if we're talking about a greenhouse or a full pivot system; the more uniform we can make those water applications, the better off we are," he explains.
Reinke's products are adaptable to various growing environments, and Jake emphasizes that technologies like soil moisture sensors play a critical role in improving water application efficiency. He shares about a project where Reinke partnered with CropX, a company that manufactures soil moisture sensors.
"These sensors are used to monitor soil moisture levels in greenhouses, ensuring that water is applied precisely when and where it is needed," he says. "The hardest part about irrigation, whether in a greenhouse or on a field, is figuring out how much water and when to apply it," he adds.
Jake shares about a unique greenhouse project involving potatoes. "The one project where potatoes were grown in a greenhouse, soil moisture probes were inserted to monitor moisture at two different depths," he says. "Our technology was adapted to meet the unique needs of greenhouse growers."
Doing what they do best
For Reinke, one of the major milestones of 2024 was the introduction of the E3 system, their breakthrough in pivot design. "Our new E3 system is a brand-new thought on how we design pivots," Jake says. "When we talk about pivots and uniformity, every field differs depending on terrain, field size, and other limitations."
The E3 system is designed with the flexibility to adapt to these diverse field conditions, allowing growers to create the most efficient and uniform irrigation systems regardless of the size or layout of their growing environment.
Unlike older models, the E3 system offers a customizable sprinkler package that delivers consistent water distribution across various configurations.
Whether the system uses a 10-inch or 12-inch pipe, regardless of the number of spans, it ensures uniformity with 30-inch or 60-inch spacing options. "This is the first in the industry where no matter how you build it, it is the most uniform sprinkler package that you can put on any machine," he explains.
According to Jake, the E3 system is the result of years of research and development, driven by the increasing need for water conservation and efficiency. Water wasn't as limited a resource 20-30 years ago as it is now," he notes. With the E3, we're aiming to build the most efficient and uniform machine possible, addressing the modern need for sustainable irrigation solutions."
While the E3 system is Reinke's flagship product in 2024, Jake clarifies that the company isn't looking to entirely overhaul its product line anytime soon. The E2 system, which preceded the E3, remains a robust and effective machine. However, the new E3 system is poised to take the lead in Reinke's offerings for the next two to three decades. He expects that, like the E2 before it, the E3 will remain relevant for many years to come.
Developing with advancing technology
Jake advises growers to embrace new technologies that can help improve water use efficiency. "New technology, especially in the irrigation sector, can sometimes be intimidating, but it's the key to improving efficiency," he says. He highlights the importance of tools like CropX's direct ET sensor, which measures how much water is evaporating from a field, providing real-time insights into the crop's water needs.
"By understanding how much water is leaving the field, growers can apply the exact amount needed," he explains. "This is a huge advantage for growers looking to optimize their water usage." Reinke also incorporates remote control and automation into its systems. Jake mentions RainCloud 3, Reinke's third-generation user interface that allows growers to control irrigation systems remotely. "This system is particularly useful for large-scale operations, as it provides a convenient way to monitor and adjust irrigation schedules from anywhere."
Overcoming challenges and educating growers
While the potential benefits of advanced irrigation systems are clear, many growers remain hesitant to make the transition adoption of new technology. "Not everyone loves change," Jake confirms, "so it's important to give our dealers and growers time to get comfortable with new technology."
To ensure that growers are making the most of the technology available to them, Reinke places a strong emphasis on education. Jake spends much of his time training dealers to help them design optimal irrigation systems for their clients. "Our dealership network is critical to our success," he says. "They are the experts who understand the unique needs of each geographic region and the crops being grown there."
"CropX and Reinke share a common philosophy of training dealers to become experts," he notes. "Our goal is to ensure that our products are used to their full potential, delivering maximum efficiency to growers."
For more information:
Reinke Irrigation
Jake Beam, Technical Sales Manager
[email protected]
www.reinke.com