Timely and adequate watering is an essential factor that helps keep the crops and plants healthy. Be it a small backyard garden or hectares of farmland, your crops or plants thrive as you provide them with the proper nutrients at the right time. A sprinkler irrigation system is an ideal solution for the watering requirement of farms and home garden lawns. These systems can be installed quickly and set up to water the plants at regular intervals with the help of timers and control systems.

The article will help you understand the benefits of using the sprinkler system for farming and its advantages.

What is a sprinkler irrigation system?

A sprinkler system uses a pump to apply water at high pressure. It uses a small diameter nozzle in the pipes, releasing water into the air. The system is ideal for different soil types.

Through a network of pipes, the water is transported to a high-pressure system and then forced through a nozzle that is small enough to spray water on crops or the ground. This method does not cause runoff or deep percolation and is applicable under certain conditions to achieve the required amount of water.

Advantages of sprinkler irrigation system

• It eliminates the need for water channels and reduces water conveyance loss.
• It is suitable for all types of soil and is very efficient in reducing water consumption by up to 55%.
• It can also help increase the yield by loosening the soil's compaction.
• The system's mobility helps minimize the operation time.
• It is applicable without bunds.
• The Sprinkler system provides frost protection and helps modulate the microclimate of the farm area.
• It also lowers labor costs.
• It helps in enhancing crop health.
• Water sprinklers help in uniform seed germination and growth rate.
• It helps maintain the soil temperature.
• Water conservation.
• Frost protection during extreme weather conditions.
• Soil amendments application will be easier and uniform.

Major components of sprinkler irrigation system

Water source

A sprinkler irrigation system can get water from either surface or groundwater sources. Although municipal wastewater is a potential water source, there are strict safety and health restrictions when using this type of wastewater.

Pumping and water pipes

A water delivery system for sprinkler irrigation involves a motorized pump that creates a high-pressure volume to deliver water to the intended location. These systems are usually either gas-driven or electric. The components that come with this process include metal or PVC pipes and hoses. Large-scale industrial hose systems are also commonly used to move water to fields.

Sprinkler heads

A sprinkler head is a component of a typical irrigation system. It is helpful to adjust the flow rate, volume, and water spray pattern. There are various types of sprinkler heads available.

Types of sprinkler irrigation systems

The types of sprinkler systems vary depending on the size and requirement of the farmland. There are several agricultural irrigation systems available. The design and installation differ depending on the use and application.

Portable sprinkler system

A cable-tow or portable sprinkler system is an irrigation system that uses a large sprinkler head and a flexible hose to run to a water source. It requires a mobile carrier and is propelled through the field using a cable. This system is helpful for different crops, but it requires a clear lane and an anchor at the end of the area to travel down.

Fixed sprinkler system

A solid-set irrigation system consists of evenly spaced sprinkler heads mounted on risers along a pipe. These systems are commonly used on small farms and usually come with impact sprinkler heads. Depending on the crop requirement, different types of head installation are possible. Spacing and spray patterns are adjustable by changing the risers' space between them. The water pipe will be underground. It is ideal for perennial plants, such as berries and orchards.

Center pivot irrigation system

A center pivot system is large enough to irrigate up to 130 acres. It consists of a stainless-steel pipe that mounts across mobile structures. These pivot systems design facilitate hanging from the end of a line or an overhead pipe. They are ideal for circular areas.

Liner motion irrigation system

A linear motion irrigation system is a type of system that moves through a field. Unlike a center pivot system, it does not move around a central point. Instead, it moves laterally.

Application of sprinkler systems

Utilization across different regions and crops

A sprinkler irrigation system is helpful for different crops and regions and is beneficial to meet the varying requirements of different terrains and fields. The system is adjustable to accommodate various factors, such as the pipe's diameter, height, and pressure.

Farmers can additionally change the impact of the water on the soil surface by adjusting the size or diameter of the pipe.

Fertilization and chemical application

A sprinkler irrigation system helps to fertilize and apply chemicals. It is by adding a chemical component to the water system.

Adequate watering

Using a sprinkler system, we can deliver water to the areas that need it most. They can be placed in high-value crops such as orchards and salad greens to prevent frost damage and cooling during hot weather.

Suitable soil for sprinkler system

Although they are ideal for sandy soils, sprinkler systems are helpful on other types of soils as long as their average application rate is below the basic infiltration rate. This method ensures to avoidance of runoff and surface ponding. They are not suitable for areas that are prone to forming crusts. Light, delicate sprays should be used instead of large ones if available only way.

Conclusion

A sprinkler system provides water to the crop in a uniform manner. This irrigation system ensures that the plant's root zone receives adequate water. Although surface irrigation methods commonly provide water to crops, a sprinkler system help achieve high efficiency. This method can be used on various terrains and soil types, saving up to 60 percent of the water used by traditional methods.