Quick Answer
For organic farming, an ideal cistern size is 10,000 to 20,000 gallons, allowing for 3-6 months of water storage during dry periods, and accommodating irrigation needs for 1-2 acres of land.
Calculating Cistern Size for Organic Farming
When sizing a cistern for organic farming, it’s crucial to consider the water requirements for irrigation, crop watering, and livestock needs. A general rule of thumb is to calculate 1 acre-inch (26,400 gallons) of water storage per acre of land. For a 1-acre farm with 3 irrigation cycles per week, a 10,000-gallon cistern would last approximately 3 months, while a 20,000-gallon cistern would last up to 6 months.
Cistern Size for Specific Farming Practices
The cistern size also depends on the specific farming practices. For example, a farm using drip irrigation and mulching may require less water storage, whereas a farm using flood irrigation may require more. Additionally, crops such as corn and soybeans require more water than leafy greens. For an organic farm that uses a combination of these practices, a cistern size between 10,000 to 20,000 gallons should be sufficient for 1-2 acres of land.
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