Potato Review

www.potatoreview.com POTATO REVIEW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 39 IRRIGATION A RECENT open day demonstrated the commercial and agronomic bene ts of using micro irrigation when growing potatoes. e event staged by Howseman Agriculture in liaison with Loveden Estates near Spalding o ered the chance to see rst-hand drip and micro irrigation technology in action as an irrigation and fertiliser delivery system, as well as dripperline installation and retrieval services. Dripperlines, microsprinklers, water distribution systems, lters, fertigation rigs and control systems were on display, along with specialised dripper line installation machinery. e event also previewed the next generation of irrigation control technology developed by Neta m. Smart irrigations systems have grown in popularity with growers, following sustained dry periods over the past couple of years, while shortage of labour and changes in water licences, have played their part, according to Andrew Howseman, founder of Howseman Agriculture. He said: “Our drip system puts the water where it is needed and uses 25-30% less water than a traditional hose and reel system. At our open days, people can see clearly what we’re doing on some of the farms where we operate, and we’re more than happy for them to come and have a look.” Howseman’s six row drip-tape layer gained an ‘Innovation for Water’ award at the Lincolnshire Show last year and Howseman Agriculture has worked with Agri-Tech East to help people evaluate new technology. Irrigation in action Open day gives rst-hand experience of drip-delivery advantages. During field walks, Andrew Howseman revealed the mainlines, control valves and distributor tapes operating within the irrigation system. Visitors were able to see first -hand the drip irrigation system at work on the rows. Dripperline installation and retrieval services were displayed.