The majority of industrial irrigation systems may be broken down into two primary classifications: sprinkler irrigation and micro-irrigation. Irrigation systems that use sprinklers come in a variety of configurations, including center pivot, linear motion, mobile gun, permanent set, and stiff set. Drip irrigation, also known as trickling water, and micro sprinklers are both components of micro irrigation systems. There is no one optimal solution that can be used for all applications. Once you have made the decision to install an irrigation system, there are a number of crucial considerations to think about before selecting the type of irrigation system that is most suitable for your circumstances. These factors are as follows:
- Crop
- Fuel cost and availability
- Initial cost
- Labor requirements
- Size and shape of field
- Water source
In certain cases, there may be other factors to take into account, such as whether you own the land or rent it. It's also possible that you already own some apparatus, like a well or a pumping unit, and that you wish to adapt the system to work with what you already have. The farmer who has already decided to irrigate their land and is in the process of determining what kind of irrigation system would be most beneficial to their business is the ideal candidate for this position. On agricultural fields, the irrigation technology that is utilized the most frequently is known as the center pivot irrigation system. It is an independent system that moves around a central pivot point while propelling itself. This system's propulsion mechanism may be water pressure, hydraulic oil, or electric actuators, depending on the application. The majority of the systems that are in use today are driven by electrical systems. The length of time necessary for a cycle is determined by several factors, including the size of the system, the volume of water that will be utilized for each application, and the capacity of the pump or well.
Both the speed at which the system moves across the field and the flow rate of the system combine to determine the amount of water that is distributed throughout the field during a particular application. This travel speed is determined by both the operator and the amount of water that is required to be used in the field at any given time. Because the amount of water going into the system does not change, the amount of time it takes for the system to cycle is directly proportional to the amount of water that is consumed. Due to the fact that center pivots cover an area that is circular in shape, they work best with round or square pitches. It is feasible that some components of the field will not be irrigated because the majority of the fields in Georgia are not. In order to cultivate the most land possible in certain fields that have an uneven form, farmers will install semi-circular systems. Due to the fact that they cannot complete a full circuit, these systems typically have a higher cost per acre. The majority of kingpins are equipped with terminal guns, which are huge holes situated on the system's furthest edge. As the system goes through the field, the operator can turn them on and off as needed.
This enables the system to irrigate an additional 100 to 150 feet around curves and other uneven sections of the land. A corner pivot is an additional reach at the end of the system that can rotate and irrigate an additional 300–400 feet around the corners of the field. The majority of manufacturers also provide a corner pivot as an option, which is an additional reach at the end of the system. It is essential, while beginning the process of constructing a center pivot irrigation system, to ensure that the system is capable of satisfying the crop's maximum water requirements. In the state of Georgia, for instance, a corn irrigation system needs to be able to deliver at least 1.25 inches of water every three days in order to meet the state's requirements. The water requirements of the vast majority of crops that can be cultivated in this region will be adequately met by a system that is constructed according to this criterion. Mounting solutions for center pivot sprinklers come in a very large number of different varieties. There is a possibility that you will receive contradictory information regarding the choice that is most suited to your circumstances, and the available choices may leave you feeling confused. The function of the sprinkler is to draw water from the primary source (which serves as the main axis) and disperse it in the form of drops throughout an area in an even and uniform manner.
Sprinkler heads need to be able to launch water over a considerable distance in order to adequately irrigate a broad region. Because of this, the required pressure will increase the amount of fuel needed at the pump. Because of the reduced spray pressure that is required, the pumping system only has to have a smaller power (horsepower) output. As the pressure drops, the area that is covered by the cloud likewise shrinks. Therefore, if the wet radius of the sprinklers reduces when the axis passes over a particular location of the field, the intensity of the water application must be increased in order to apply a specific quantity of water. Runoff will occur if the application rate is higher than the soil's carrying capacity (infiltration rate), which can lead to erosion. There is a wide range of operating pressures available for spray kits, ranging from one pound per square inch (psi) to one hundred psi. Low pressure systems require less energy to operate, but you need to make sure you don't exceed the bearing capacity of the soil or, if you do, you need to incorporate certain cultural practices to prevent runoff. If you do exceed the bearing capacity of the soil, you need to make sure you don't exceed the bearing capacity of the soil.