Farms are not just for crops anymore. They’re also an ideal location for a geothermal system. Why? Because there’s plenty of available land. This allows the end user to inexpensively take advantage of geothermal energy: the best energy source. How? By using a horizontally excavated field. Compared to vertically drilled borefields, horizontal fields are extremely cost competitive and installation is very simple. It is done through bulk excavation or trenches that are dug to a depth of 6 to 10 feet, piping is then placed at the bottom, and the original soil is backfilled into the trench. Your borefield is then ready to be used, as is the original crop field.
How can geothermal systems be used on the farm? They have numerous applications in the farming environment such as the use of heat for the drying of agricultural products, the production of hot water for clean-up purposes, and the ability to keep poultry and cattle barns cool (or heated) to promote animal health, safety, and treatment.
Using geothermal technology in the farming industry allows farmers to take greater advantages of the resources available to them, increase their production, and reduce their costs and greenhouse gases. It’s a no brainer to multi-purpose farmland to take advantage of geothermal technology. Wouldn’t you agree?