Agriculture in the UK and Ireland demands precision, efficiency, and compliance with strict environmental and water management standards. From irrigation systems to dairy processing, farmers and agribusinesses rely on accurate measurement and control technologies to optimise resources, reduce waste, and maintain productivity.
This page explores eight key agricultural applications and the specialised instrumentation solutions available from PCT to support these processes. Whether you manage crop irrigation, slurry transfer, or greenhouse operations, our products deliver reliability and performance tailored to the unique challenges of modern farming.
Efficient irrigation is critical for crop health and water conservation. UK farms often use boreholes, mains-fed systems, and drip irrigation, all requiring accurate flow measurement to prevent overuse and comply with abstraction regulations. Monitoring flow ensures pumps operate within design limits and helps detect leaks early. Seasonal variability and diverse pipe materials make non-invasive solutions ideal for retrofits. By integrating flow monitoring, farmers can optimise water distribution and reduce energy costs. This application supports sustainability goals and compliance with local water authority requirements.
Fertigation combines irrigation with nutrient delivery, requiring precise dosing to avoid crop damage and environmental harm. UK farms increasingly adopt automated systems for efficiency and compliance. Pressure stability and accurate chemical injection are essential for uniform distribution. Monitoring ensures pumps and dosing units maintain correct ratios, reducing fertiliser waste and improving yields. This process supports sustainable farming and meets regulatory standards for nutrient management.
Clean-in-place systems are vital for hygiene in dairy operations. Monitoring pressure and temperature ensures effective cleaning cycles and compliance with food safety standards. UK dairy farms require robust sensors to withstand harsh cleaning chemicals and high temperatures. Accurate data prevents under-cleaning or overuse of resources, reducing costs and improving product quality.
Consistent spray pressure is essential for uniform application of pesticides and fertilisers. UK farms rely on accurate pressure monitoring to maintain nozzle performance and avoid drift. Real-time feedback helps operators adjust settings quickly, improving efficiency and reducing chemical waste.
Slurry handling requires robust flow and pressure monitoring to prevent blockages and spills. UK farms often pump slurry over long distances, making accurate measurement critical for pump protection and compliance with environmental regulations.
Rainwater systems help farms reduce mains water use and costs. Monitoring inflow and outflow ensures tanks operate efficiently and comply with water quality standards. Accurate measurement supports sustainable farming practices.
Controlled environments require precise monitoring of temperature and pressure for misting and drip systems. UK horticulture operations depend on accurate sensors to maintain crop health and optimise resource use.
Farms with private water supplies must monitor flow and pressure for abstraction reporting and treatment dosing. Accurate data ensures compliance with UK regulations and protects water resources.
| Application | Recommended Technologies | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Irrigation Flow Monitoring | TFX 5000 Ultrasonic Flow Meter | Non-invasive, accurate, easy retrofit |
| Fertigation & Nutrient Dosing | Equilibar BPR, Peristaltic Pumps | Precise dosing and pressure stability |
| Dairy CIP Systems | Z-Series Pressure, Temp Probes | Hygiene compliance and process control |
| Crop Sprayer Pressure Control | CS Instruments Pressure Transmitters | Consistent spray performance |
| Slurry Transfer Monitoring | TFX 500w Ultrasonic Flow Meter | Handles slurry-water mixes efficiently |
| Rainwater Harvesting | Process Displays | Local monitoring for sustainable water use |
| Greenhouse Climate Control | Temperature Probes | Accurate climate management for crop health |
| Private Water Supply Compliance | DXN Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meter | Easy audits and regulatory compliance |

Lake B Series Variable Area Flow Meter for Liquids
HydraPro Hydraulic Test Kit
Alicat MB Series Meter - Portable
Alicat MC Series Controller - Standard Controller
Status SEM206P In Head Temperature Transmitter
HydraPro Hydraulic Gauge Block
Lake M and N Series Variable Area Flow Switch for Liquids and Gases
Lake T Series Variable Area Flow Transmitter for Liquids and Gases
Lake H Series High Temperature Variable Area Flow Meter for Liquids
Lake P Series Variable Area Flow Meter for Phosphate Ester Liquids
Lake G Series Pneumatic Variable Area Flow Meter for Gases
Lake C Series Case Drain Monitor
Lake Bi Directional Variable Area Flow Meter for Liquids and Gases
Status DM3410 Panel Meter
Status DM3420 Panel Meter
Status DM3600A Panel Meter
Status DM3600U Panel Meter
LX Flow Turbine
Alicat PC3 PCR3 - Single Valve Pressure Controller
Alicat PCR - Single Valve Pressure Controller
Alicat PC - Pressure Controller
PCT Solid Drilled Thermowell
PCT Fabricated Thermowell
PCT PT100 RTD with Terminal Head and Instrument Connection
PCT PT100 RTD with Terminal Head
PCT Z2 Series Pressure Transmitter
PCT Z3 Series Pressure Transmitter
General Service GSD
Industrial Service BD Series
Alicat MCQ Series Controller - High Pressure
Alicat EPC - Single Valve OEM Electronic Pressure Controller
Alicat EPCD - Dual Valve OEM Electronic Pressure Controller
Dynasonics TFX 500w Transit Time Flow Meter
Dynasonics TFX 5000 Transit Time Flow Meter
Longer G100-2J Industrial Peristaltic Pump
Longer G300-2J G600-1J-1 Industrial Peristaltic Pump
Drastar 085 Series
Alicat Basis 2.0 - OEM Applications
Longer G100-1L G300-1L G600-1L Industrial Peristaltic Pump
Longer YZ1515X YZII15 Easy Load Pump Head
Longer YZ35-13 Industrial Pump Head
Longer KZ35 Quick Load Industrial Pump Head
Dynasonics DXN-5P Portable Ultrasonic Flow Meter
Industrial High Flow IC Series