Sprinkler Irrigation Systems in India
Sprinkler irrigation is a versatile means of applying water to any crop, soil, and topographic condition .
Sprinkler systems can be efficient on soils and topography that is not suitable or efficient for surface irrigation methods. In general, systems are described according to the method of moving the lateral lines on which various types of sprinklers are attached.
Laterals may be solid set or rotating, the latter which can be moved by hand or mechanically. Sprinkler systems are highly efficient but there are general concerns about the labor requirements and investment costs for these systems.
Hand-move laterals have the lowest investment cost but the highest labor requirement. These systems are only suitable for low-growing crops.
The side roll lateral system uses the irrigation pipe as the axle of large diameter wheels that arespaced about 40 ft apart. These laterals are moved by a gasoline-powered motor and thus require less labor than hand-move systems. Side rolls should be used for crops that will not interfere with the movement of the lateral or sprinkler pattern.
Center pivots consist of radial pipelines that rotate around a central pivot by water pressure, electric motors, or oil hydraulic motors .
A variety of nozzle types, nozzle heights, and application rates can be used in center pivot systems. Sprinkler packages should be selected according to the field conditions for the most efficient operation .
Linear move laterals use hardware similar to that of a center pivot, but move in a straight line across the field. Solid-set systems have sprinklers that are placed over the entire field, where all or some of the sprinklers may operate at the same time.