Detailed explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of sprinkler irrigation pumps

Detailed explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of sprinkler irrigation pumps

1. The core advantages of sprinkler irrigation pumps

Uniform irrigation

Water droplets are formed through high-pressure injection, with a wide coverage range (radius 5~50 meters), and the irrigation uniformity is more than 85%, which is particularly suitable for large-area crops such as fields and lawns.

The nozzle angle and pressure can be adjusted to adapt to the water requirements of different crops (such as low flow for wheat and high flow for fruit trees).

Water-saving and efficient

Compared with flood irrigation, it can save 30%~50% of water, and the water utilization rate is increased to 70%~90% (flood irrigation is only 40%~60%).

The automated system can sprinkle irrigation at a fixed time and quantity to reduce manual intervention.

Adapt to complex terrain

It is highly compatible with slopes and undulating terrains, and there is no need to level the land (while drip irrigation requires strict planning of pipeline slopes).

Cooling and frost prevention

The field temperature can be reduced by 3~5℃ in summer, and sprinkler irrigation can prevent frost in winter (water freezes and releases latent heat to protect crops).

2. Obvious disadvantages of sprinkler irrigation pumps

High energy consumption

Need to maintain a high working pressure (usually 0.3~0.8MPa), which consumes 20%~40% more electricity than the drip irrigation system.

For example: the annual electricity bill for a 100-acre sprinkler irrigation system is about 12,000~20,000 yuan, while the same area of drip irrigation is only 7,000~10,000 yuan.

Greatly affected by wind

Winds above level 3 will cause water droplets to drift, and the irrigation uniformity will decrease by 15%~30%. Water evaporation loss may be aggravated in drought areas.

High equipment cost

Need to match high-pressure pumps, galvanized steel pipes, aluminum alloy nozzles, etc., with an initial investment of about 800~1500 yuan per mu (drip irrigation is 500~1000 yuan/mu).

Complicated maintenance

The nozzles are easy to clog (especially when using river water), and the filter needs to be cleaned regularly;

In winter, the pipes need to be emptied to prevent freezing and cracking, which increases management costs.

3. Comparison of types of sprinkler irrigation pumps

1. Centrifugal pump (commonly used)

Advantages: large flow (50~400m³/h), suitable for concentrated continuous sprinkler irrigation.

Disadvantages: water diversion is required for starting, and it is inconvenient to move in the field.

2. Submersible pump

Advantages: Directly submerge into the water source (pond/well), eliminating the limitation of suction distance.

Disadvantages: high requirements for motor heat dissipation, continuous work requires ≤8 hours/day.

3. Self-priming pump

Advantages: no bottom valve and diversion are required, suitable for frequent start-stop irrigation areas.

Disadvantages: efficiency is 10%~15% lower than that of centrifugal pumps, and long-term operating costs are high.

4. Key parameters of sprinkler irrigation system

Working pressure: 0.3~0.8MPa (rotating nozzles require more than 0.4MPa).

Flow matching: single nozzle flow × number of nozzles ≤ rated flow of the pump (reserve 10% margin).

Pipeline selection:

Main pipeline: PVC-U or PE pipe, pressure bearing ≥1.0MPa;

Branch pipeline: aluminum alloy/PE hose, light and easy to move.

V. Applicable scene recommendations

Recommended use:

Field crops (wheat, corn), forage, open-air vegetables, etc.;

Plains/hilly areas with wind force ≤3.

Not recommended:

High evaporation areas (such as the northwest arid area, drip irrigation is suitable);

Cash crops (strawberries, flowers, etc. are suitable for micro-spraying or drip irrigation).

VI. Economic optimization plan

Wind compensation: Select low-pressure nozzles (0.2~0.3MPa) to reduce drift, and automatically suspend operations with wind sensors.

Energy substitution: Photovoltaic driven water pump (5kW photovoltaic system can support 20~30 nozzles).

Simplified maintenance: Select anti-blocking nozzles (such as refractive nozzles) and automatic backwash filters.