A well-planned irrigation system not only ensures healthy plants but also saves time and resources in the long run. But what are the costs of an automatic irrigation system? Here’s an overview of the investment and operating costs.
Initial Costs for Large-Scale Irrigation
The cost of installing an irrigation system depends heavily on the selected method. Key cost factors include:
- Material costs (pipes, drip hoses, sprinklers, valves)
- Control systems (e.g., sensors, timers, or digital controllers)
- Installation and excavation work
Cost by System Type
- Sprinkler systems: More expensive due to the many components required and the complex installation process.
- Drip irrigation: More cost-effective as water is delivered directly to the plants, reducing evaporation.
- Manual irrigation: No major upfront costs, but labor-intensive.
For an automatic irrigation system, you should expect to pay between €7.50 and €16.00 per square meter. For an area of 500 m², this equates to an investment of €3,750 to €8,000, including installation.
Ongoing Costs of an Irrigation System
In addition to installation costs, operating expenses must also be considered:
- Maintenance & Repairs: On average, 10% of the initial cost per year (€375 to €800 per year for the above example).
- Water consumption:
- With a weekly water demand of 15 liters per m², the annual consumption for 500 m² amounts to 120,000 liters.
- Water price: €4.00 to €6.00 per 1,000 liters.
- Total cost: €480 to €720 per year.
Choosing the right irrigation system requires careful planning. While sprinkler systems provide full-coverage irrigation, drip irrigation offers a more efficient and water-saving alternative.
