What to consider when choosing your field crops sprinkler irrigation system
Sprinkler spacing
The distance between your field crops sprinklers is primarily determined based on your planting pattern and the agro-mechanical vehicles and tools used .Nevertheless there are other factors to consider. The closer the sprinklers are spaced, the more units and pipes you will require and the higher your system cost will be. On the other hand, wider spacing makes it harder to obtain uniform water distribution. Especially in windy areas
Sprinkler flow rate and overall system precipitation rate
It is important to choose a solution which can provide the daily crop needs and still avoid run-off that creates uneven water distribution and soil erosion. You should look for a precision irrigation system whose precipitation rate correlates to the soil’s infiltration capacity. Unlike center-pivots or rain-guns that have high hourly flow, precision sprinkler systems have low to medium precipitation rates, so they don’t generate run-off.
Droplet size and jet impact
Aggressive jets can injure young crops, expose seeds and create soil erosion or provoke soil crusting. on the other hand, very fine jets can produce small droplets of water which may shift with the wind or evaporate affecting uniform distribution of the water. Look for a sprinkler which can reach the required distance and maintain even distribution patterns, but will not damage your crops.
