In this article, we begin with a detailed study of sprinkler irrigation, within the mechanized or pressurized irrigation methods that we will continue to develop in order to advise on the importance of choosing a good irrigation system.
Mechanized or Pressurized Irrigation
These are the systems that require a pressure-generating mechanism to move the water, unless the reservoir is located higher than the sprinklers.
They can be:
Sprinkler irrigation:
- Stationary.
- Continuous flow.
- Movable lines.
- Large-scale sprinkler.
- Linear mechanized irrigation systems.
Drip irrigation.
- Overhead installation.
- Subsurface drip irrigation.
What is sprinkler irrigation?
It is a rain-like irrigation method that aims to water the entire plot by infiltrating the water with the desired intensity.
General characteristics of sprinkler irrigation:
- The ground does not need to be level.
- It can be used on newly sown land.
- It does not erode the soil if the water pressure is gentle and the irrigation is in a light rain pattern.
- It does not cause soil or seed displacement.
All of this is true provided the sprinkler is appropriate.
If we want a very fine mist of water, we can use micro-sprinklers that we can regulate with the appropriate pressure. Depending on the pressure we adjust, we can irrigate with micro-droplets, very fine droplets in the form of a spray. This method is widely used today in greenhouses and nurseries to maintain a certain level of humidity in the environment.
Advantages:
- Adaptes to different irrigation requirements.
- Requires no leveling. Generally facilitates mechanization.
- Easy to automate.
- Typically allows for the application of fertilizers, pesticides, and frost protection.
- Saves time and energy.
- Suitable for gentle slopes.
- Requires minimal labor.
- Can accommodate multiple water intake points.
Disadvantages:
- It can wash away some treatments if its programming isn’t carefully managed.
- Uneven distribution due to strong winds.
- High initial investment, maintenance, and operating costs (energy) if it’s not properly designed.
Wind-driven sprinkler systems modify the wetting zone
Types of sprinkler irrigation systems
Outline of the types of sprinkler irrigation detailed below
- Stationary systems: they do not require movement during irrigation; they simply consist of pipes with valves and emitters.
- Semi-fixed mobile systems: mobile piping (manual or motorized).
- Fixed systems:
- Fixed piping.
- Fixed and buried piping (full underground coverage). The emitter can also be buried or above ground.
- Temporary systems, in which the coverage is completely above ground.
- Continuous-move systems:
- Moving laterals:
- Center pivot (circular movement).
- Giant sprinkler: front-moving lateral.
- Wheel-line system.
- Giant sprinklers:
- Traveling gun systems.
- Hose-reel gun systems.
- Moving laterals:
Sprinkler Irrigation with Probes. 1-Sprinkler/Emitter. 2-Moisture Sensors/Probes. 3-Soil Wet Bulb. 4-Salt Accumulation.
Mechanized sprinkler irrigation systems with linear forward-moving equipment irrigate large areas of crops, especially cereals, vegetables, and pastures worldwide.
Sensor-Controlled Sprinkler Irrigation
Soil moisture, temperature, and conductivity sensors/probes solve all irrigation control problems.
Installed at different depths, they provide real-time information on irrigation needs, subsurface temperature, and potential salt accumulation.
Salts accumulate through settling in the lower part of the soil and evaporation in the upper part of the soil wet bulb, negatively impacting the crop, especially root system absorption.
The accumulated salts compact and impair nutrient absorption.
As humidity control is carried out in real time, this accumulation of salts decreases, because the plant always has the water it needs and absorbs the nutrients for its perfect development.
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