Spring Irrigation Setup Guide for UK Farmers

Spring Irrigation Setup Guide for UK Farmers

Introduction

As temperatures rise and the UK growing season gets underway, having a fully functioning irrigation system is essential. Whether you're running a farm, greenhouse, nursery, or sports facility, a few hours of preparation in spring can save you significant time, water, and money throughout the season.

This guide walks you through the key steps to get your irrigation system spring-ready.

1. When to Start: Seasonal Timing in the UK

In the UK, the irrigation season typically begins between late March and early May, depending on your region and crop type. Key triggers to watch for:

  • Soil temperatures consistently above 8°C (important for root activity)
  • Evapotranspiration (ET) rates beginning to exceed rainfall
  • Crop establishment or transplanting underway

In southern England, you may need to start irrigating as early as April for early-season crops like strawberries and salad leaves. In Scotland and northern regions, May is more typical for field crops.

2. Pre-Season System Inspection

Before turning on your system for the first time, carry out a thorough inspection:

  • Check all pipework for frost damage, cracks, or rodent damage over winter
  • Inspect drippers and emitters for blockages or physical damage — replace any that are cracked or deformed
  • Test solenoid valves by manually activating each zone to confirm they open and close correctly
  • Inspect filters and clean or replace filter elements — a blocked filter is the most common cause of dripper failure
  • Check pump operation — prime the pump, check seals, and listen for unusual noises on startup

3. Pressure Testing

Once you've completed your visual inspection, pressure test the system before connecting drippers or tape:

  1. Cap all lateral ends
  2. Pressurise the system to operating pressure
  3. Walk the system and check for leaks at all joints, connectors, and valves
  4. Use pressure gauges at the head of each zone to confirm you're achieving the correct operating pressure
  5. Check that pressure-compensating drippers are within their rated range (typically 0.5–3.5 bar)

4. Filter Maintenance

Spring is the ideal time to service your filtration system. For disc and screen filters:

  • Remove and clean all filter elements
  • Inspect O-rings and replace if worn or cracked
  • Check automatic flush valves if fitted
  • Set flush intervals appropriate for your water source quality

Our range of Amiad Filters includes replacement elements and service kits to keep your filtration running efficiently all season.

5. Controller and Automation Checks

  • Update irrigation schedules to reflect spring crop water requirements
  • Check battery backup on controllers
  • Test all sensor inputs (soil moisture, rain sensors, ET, EC & pHsensors)
  • Verify that fertigation injection rates are correctly calibrated if you're running a fertigation programme

6. Drip Tape and Lateral Installation

If you're using seasonal drip tape (common in vegetable production), spring is when you'll be laying new tape:

  • Check tape roll condition — discard any tape that has been stored incorrectly or shows UV degradation
  • Ensure emitter spacing matches your crop row spacing
  • Flush laterals before connecting to drippers or tape to clear any debris from winter storage
  • Use end caps or fold-back ends to allow for flushing throughout the season

Browse our Rivulis Drip Irrigation and NDJ Drip Irrigation ranges for drip tape, drippers, and fittings.

7. Record Keeping

Good record keeping pays dividends throughout the season. Note down:

  • System pressure readings at each zone
  • Filter flush frequency and condition
  • Any repairs or replacements made
  • Irrigation volumes applied (if you have flow meters installed)

This data will help you identify problems early and plan for next season.

Conclusion

A well-prepared irrigation system is the foundation of a productive growing season. Taking the time to inspect, test, and service your system in spring means fewer breakdowns, better water distribution, and healthier crops.

If you need help sourcing parts or designing a system upgrade, our team at IrriSmart is here to help. With 20+ years of experience and a comprehensive range of irrigation products, we can support you from planning through to installation.

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