With hotter and drier summers increasing pressure on irrigation supplies, farmers are being encouraged to consider ways of reducing water losses from reservoirs rather than simply increasing storage capacity.
Floating cover system Hexa-Cover is being promoted by UK distributor Tramspread as a way of reducing evaporation from irrigation reservoirs. The system, which is already widely used on slurry lagoons, uses interlocking hexagonal elements made from 100% recycled plastic to form a floating barrier across the water surface.
According to the manufacturer, the cover can reduce evaporation losses by up to 95%. Field experience suggests irrigation reservoirs can lose as much as 800mm of water to evaporation each year, with losses increasing during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather.
Tramspread's John Tydeman says protecting water collected during winter is becoming increasingly important, particularly for growers operating under restrictive abstraction licences.
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The Hexa-Cover elements are simply tipped into the reservoir, where they distribute themselves across the surface. They do not rely on trapped air to remain afloat or liquid ballast to prevent movement, meaning damaged elements remain in position and are less likely to interfere with outlets or other equipment.
As well as reducing evaporation, the floating cover can help suppress algae growth and is suitable for drinking water reservoirs. Tramspread says the system has an expected lifespan of more than 25 years and estimates that most businesses could recover the investment within five years.
