Sprinkler irrigation system, Application of water through air (usually in a predetermined pattern) in which water flows on crop like rain. Water is distributed through a system of pipes usually by pumping. It is then sprayed into the air through sprinklers so that it breaks up into small water drops which fall to the ground. Piped irrigation systems are classified according to the pressure required for operation, the method of delivering water to plants, and the type of installation.

Components of sprinkler irrigation system:

Pump Set
Main line & Sub-main Line
Laterals. (Usually PVC, HDPE)
Hydrants/Risers (To connect Sprinkler head to lateral pipe)
Valves & Safety Equipment’s (Flow Control Valve, NRV, Foot Valve, Pressure Gauges)

Sprinkler Irrigation Layout:

Types of sprinkler irrigation system:

Fixed Installation:

In this type of system all components are installed at fixed positions.

Semi-Portable Installation:

In this type of system Main and Sub-main are permanent, lateral are portable, may be hand move or mechanical.

Portable Installation:

In this type of system all components parts are portable.

Advantages:

Sprinkler irrigation is suitable for all crops except rice as it requires standing water
Water can be spread over row crops and under canopy of tree crops
Large sprinklers are not suitable for delicate flowering and fruiting plants because larger water drops may damage the crop
Suitable to complete range of topography
Land leveling not required

Dis-Advantages:

Very sensitive to wind conditions
Higher evaporation rate
Fine textured soil having very low infiltration rates cannot be irrigated efficiently
Few crops with delicate flowering cannot be irrigated with sprinkler system
Use of low quality water may cause leaf burn
Must work under pressure, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to obtain good results.

Sprinkler Irrigation Design Process Requirements:

Distribution pattern of a single sprinkler is not uniform throughout the radius and also affects drastically by wind. To minimize the effect of wind and provide uniform depth of water on the area under sprinkler irrigation system, distance between the sprinklers is reduced in such a way that water from one sprinkler reaches approximately to the adjacent sprinkler.

There are different three patterns of sprinkler placement discussed below;

Rectangular Spacing:

In this type of spacing Sprinkler spacing at lateral is 40% of the effective diameter. And Lateral spacing is 67% of the effective diameter. For big volume Rain-gun lateral spacing should not exceed 65% of the effective diameter. And Sprinkler spacing at lateral is 50% of the effective diameter.