TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURE

Innovation in agriculture is a highly topical issue, fundamental to meeting the challenges of the sector. Sustainable water management is now a top priority: according to a recent OECD report, global demand for freshwater could exceed availability by 40 per cent by 2030, with serious consequences in many areas of the world.

As the optimization of water resource use becomes increasingly necessary, agriculture can make a significant difference. This sector has the highest water consumption: according to the FAO, agriculture accounts for 70% of global water resources and is responsible for 92% of the world’s water footprint. In recent decades, we have also witnessed an increase in the use of groundwater resources, largely due to more severe drought periods caused by climate change. The consequence is a progressive decline in water table levels, which are globally dropping by several centimeters per year.

For all these reasons, rethinking irrigation strategies is essential, focusing on more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. More and more frequently, the term Agriculture 4.0 is used to describe the trend of leveraging technology to optimize water use through the cross-analysis of environmental, climatic, and crop data. Such an approach allows:

• precisely determining crop irrigation needs;
• preventing diseases and infestations before they spread;
• performing targeted interventions, reducing waste and costs;
• improving product quality and optimizing yield;
• reducing energy consumption related to water pumping.

Caprari, a benchmark for the agricultural sector worldwide, is strongly committed to promoting the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture through increasingly high-performance submersible pumps and integrated systems with digital technologies (IoT).

Borehole pumps for efficient irrigation

The Caprari range of borehole pumps offers multiple solutions for agricultural applications, all characterized by reliability, technological innovation, and energy efficiency.

In an irrigation system, borehole pumps are used to extract and distribute water from sources such as:

• deep wells and aquifers;
• artificial reservoirs and tanks;
• rivers and lakes.

Water extraction serves to supply various irrigation systems, which can be classified into five main types:

• surface irrigation, where crops are flooded;
• sprinkler or rain irrigation;
• drip irrigation, where water is delivered directly above the root zone;
• subsurface irrigation, where water is directed to the roots through porous containers or buried pipes;
• sub-irrigation, where water flows through underground pipes and rises through the soil to reach the roots.

Each irrigation system has specific hydraulic requirements. For example, drip irrigation requires low flow rates and constant pressure, while a pivot irrigation system demands high flow rates and greater pressures. It is therefore essential to choose borehole pumps sized according to the best efficiency point, ensuring energy efficiency and optimal system operation.

A complete range of borehole pumps

Caprari manufactures a wide variety of borehole pump models to meet different flow rate and head requirements, making them adaptable to various irrigation systems.

The E 6”-22” series offers an extensive selection of cast iron pumps, ensuring flow rates of up to 350 l/s, heads up to 780 m, and power levels up to 440 kW. Designed according to Eco Design principles and the Extended Product Approach, and manufactured with advanced production and casting technologies, this range guarantees top-tier performance. A high-efficiency hydraulic system, combined with Caprari’s submersible motors, translates into significant energy savings.

Reliability and long lifespan are achieved through material research and a robust structure made from cast iron, bronze, and stainless steel components. Additionally, for ultra corrosion resistance, Caprari has developed the patented DEFENDER system, which accelerates the passivation process of stainless steel components, protecting the pump from the very first moments after installation.

How to choose among the many models in this extensive range?

• 6”-8” semi-axial borehole pumps are a reliable choice for most irrigation needs. In addition to the characteristics described above, they offer great installation versatility thanks to threaded or DIN and ANSI flange couplings.
• For medium to high flow rates and heads, the 10”-22” semi-axial borehole pumps are the ideal solution.
• For deep well installations requiring very high heads, the best option is the 8”-10” radial borehole pump series.

When Extracted Water Contains High Levels of Sand, Clay, and Debris… 

What can be done in applications with high concentrations of solids and sand? Caprari has developed the DESERT ENERGY E4X-E6X series, consisting of 4” and 6” borehole pumps, ideal for small and medium-sized wells.

The key feature of this series is its optimal performance even in the presence of high solid and sand content, up to 450 g/m³, thanks to the patented SAND-OUT system. The combination with Caprari’s submersible motors ensures high energy savings, while durability is guaranteed by material research and the DEFENDER system.

Stamped steel pumps: efficiency and versatility 

The new E.KX 6”-8”-10” series of stamped steel borehole pumps represents an excellent solution for agricultural applications. These pumps offer high heads (up to 400m) and large flow rates (up to 120m³/h) at a competitive cost while standing out for their high energy savings, robustness, and reliability.

Top-tier performance is ensured by:

• stamped steel impellers and diffusers;
• anti-recirculation lip rings for impeller seat;
• combination with Caprari’s submersible motors.

Another key advantage is their interchangeability, thanks to NEMA 4-6-8 international standard connections, allowing easy replacement and integration with other systems. Additionally, versatile installation is ensured, with both horizontal and vertical positioning options, along with compatibility with booster systems and cooling jackets.

Furthermore, Caprari offers 6”-8” models with Made in Italy certification (E.NVX series), which, in addition to the E.KX series’ advantages, provide certification for drinking water.

Sustainable and efficient irrigation: the future of agriculture

Next-generation borehole pumps are a tangible solution to support more sustainable, resilient, and precision-driven agriculture.

Choosing the right irrigation system, paired with an efficient, properly-sized pump, ensures maximum crop yield while optimizing water and energy consumption.

Innovation, efficiency, and sustainability: this is the future of agriculture.