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Efficient and reliable irrigation is critical for crop health and productivity. And for modern farmers, sustainability and cost savings are also of upmost importance for success. Propane-powered irrigation engines provide an optimal solution for ag operations, offering significant cost savings, environmental benefits, and unmatched reliability.
Importance of Irrigation
To produce high quality crops, soil must maintain certain moisture levels—something only achievable through irrigation. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, having a reliable irrigation system becomes even more critical in ensuring the resiliency and sustainability of agricultural operations. Irrigation mitigates the impact of dry spells to ensure crops receive adequate water for enhanced crop yields and productivity, leading to better financial outcomes for farmers and greatly impacting overall business success.
Why Propane?
Environmental Sustainability: Propane is a cleaner energy source that produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel and gasoline. Propane emits 43% fewer greenhouse gases than using an equivalent amount of electricity generated from the U.S. grid system and up to 24% fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline engines. This makes propane a more environmentally friendly option, helping farmers to meet stringent environmental regulations effortlessly. In addition to reducing the environmental impact of farming, propane results in fewer deposits on engine components for less frequent maintenance and longer engine life.
Reliability and Performance: Propane-powered engines are known for their reliability and robust performance. These engines provide up to 300 horsepower of continuous power, ensuring that your irrigation system can meet the demands of your farm. Unlike electric systems, propane engines are not dependent on the grid, which means they can operate during power outages to ensure crops receive necessary water without interruption. By eliminating the risk of power outages disrupting irrigation schedules, farmers can have peace of mind and control over their operations.
Convenient Compliance: Propane-powered irrigation engines help farmers comply with environmental regulations without additional equipment or steps. Propane is an approved alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act, making it easier to meet Tier 4 standards and other regulatory requirements. This compliance is crucial for modern agricultural operations that aim to reduce their environmental impact.
Taking Back Control Over Farms: Propane can also be stored on-site, ensuring a consistent fuel supply during critical irrigation periods. Moreover, propane is readily available across the United States, with a vast network of suppliers and over 60,000 miles of pipeline. This availability ensures that farmers can easily access and store propane on-site, providing a consistent fuel supply throughout the irrigation season. Propane’s storage stability also means it does not degrade over time, unlike other fuels, making it a reliable choice for long-term planning and fuel storage.
Advanced Technology and Efficiency: Today’s EPA- and CARB-certified propane-powered engines have been designed and built by leading engine manufacturers specifically to run on propane, equipped with advanced technological features that enhance their efficiency and ease of use. Options like remote monitoring allow farmers to manage their irrigation systems more effectively, providing real-time data on engine performance and fuel usage. This technology helps optimize irrigation schedules and ensures that crops receive the right amount of water at the right time.
Cost Savings: New propane-powered engines typically cost 20-40% less than diesel engines for comparable power. And when it comes to long-term savings, most farmers save 40% or more with propane engines when compared with a diesel-fueled engine. In addition, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) offers programs like the Propane Farm Incentive Program, which provides financial incentives for farmers who purchase and use propane-powered equipment. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront costs of switching to propane, making it an even more attractive option for farmers looking to enhance their operations.
Learn more about the Propane Farm Incentive Program, and use PERC’s Irrigation Cost Calculator to discover how much propane could save your operation.
