Posted on: 29 January 2018Share
Water storage is an important practice for every agricultural operation. This container will hold significant volumes of water for performing essential tasks such as watering animals and irrigating crops during times of scarcity. You can also harvest rainwater using your farm water tanks. This process will help you reduce the total expenses for water in your agricultural setup. Unfortunately, there are problems which can cause the water in your tanks to be less useful. One of these issues is the growth of algae. The algae will interfere with the water quality and the safety of the stored water. Here are some practical tips for preventing the growth of algal bodies in your farm water tanks.
Choose Opaque Containers
You should choose a dark-coloured tank or opaque container for your agricultural operation. This decision will prevent most of your algae growth problems, ensuring that the water quality is preserved. In general, algae, like plants, require light for the process of photosynthesis. If there is no light, the organisms will not be able to produce their own food and will die off. An opaque tank will minimise the amount of light in the tank. While you cannot prevent light filtration through tank openings, you will ensure that the problem is controlled.
Place the Tank in Shade
You should place your water storage container in a shaded area to protect it from high temperatures. Typically, the heat from the environment stimulates or promotes the growth of the organisms by creating a suitable habitat for survival. By ensuring that the water is always cold, you will minimise the existence of algae. You can find a naturally shaded spot on your property or create a suitable outdoor structure to house the tank. It is also advisable to consider using an underground reservoir in your agricultural operation. In simple terms, the container will be placed in the soil, which will keep the water at a consistent, low temperature.
Treat the Water
Preventative measures are often effective for keeping stored water free from algal growths. However, you cannot be too sure about your farm water tank because algae can be highly adaptable. Therefore, you should complement your preventative processes with the treatment of your water. Certain chemicals such as chlorine can be valuable in disinfecting the water. The product will kill off lingering algae and inhibit the future growth of the material. If you decide to use chemicals for treatment, you should consider the compatibility of the compounds with your farming needs to prevent future complications.