How to Irrigate a Hay Field With a Lake

Obtain the local permits and permission required to have irrigation access to the lake. Since most lakes are public property it can be difficult to get through the red tape. Also consider that 1 acre-foot of water is typically required to irrigate 1 acre of field. For example, a 10-acre lake that is 10 feet deep will sufficiently water 100 acres of hay.

Evaluate the irrigation needs of the field. This takes into account the temperature, weather patterns, growing season length and soil type. An extension agent can help you determine the water output required.

Hire an irrigation contractor to install an irrigation system appropriate to your needs. It is a process that is too difficult to complete yourself. A lake-access irrigation system will generally have a floating intake pipe that is anchored to a buoy to keep it from sucking up organic material off the bottom, as well as a pump located at the edge of the water and drainage pipes towards the field. The manner in which the water is dispersed varies. Many hay fields include a center pivot sprinkler that rotates through the field, evenly coating it with water.

Check the soil moisture frequently to gauge the field's water needs. Under-irrigating the field delays hay growth, while too much water can turn the grass yellow and lead to water waste.

Change the filters in the irrigation system regularly. The lines may have to be flushed with chlorine several times a year to prevent algae buildup.