Introduction of sprinkler irrigation technology

Sprinkler irrigation is an irrigation method that uses water pumps to pressurize or natural drop to transport water to the sprinkler through pipes, forming uniform water droplets to spray on farmland. The following is a detailed introduction:

1. System composition

Water source: rivers, lakes, well water, etc.

Water pump (optional): provides pressure, and natural drop can be used in mountainous areas.

Pipeline system:

Main pipe: main water supply trunk.

Branch pipe: connects sprinkler.

Mobile/fixed: mobile is suitable for rotation irrigation, and fixed is buried underground.

Sprinkler: key component that determines the size of water droplets and spraying range (such as rotary and refraction).

Control equipment: valves, pressure regulators, automatic controllers (such as timed irrigation).

2. Working principle

After pressurization, water is transported to the sprinkler through pipes, dispersed into water droplets under the action of centrifugal force or impact, simulating natural rainfall to evenly cover crops.

3. Main types

Fixed sprinkler irrigation: pipes are permanently installed and suitable for frequently irrigated areas (such as orchards and lawns).

Semi-fixed: the main pipe is fixed, and the branch pipe is movable, balancing cost and flexibility.

Mobile: the pipe and nozzle are movable (such as reel type, center pivot type), suitable for field crops.

Automated intelligent sprinkler irrigation: precise irrigation is achieved through sensor and program control.

4. Technical parameters

Working pressure: low pressure (1~2 bar), medium pressure (2~4 bar), high pressure (>4 bar).

Sprinkler intensity: the amount of water sprayed per unit time (mm/h), which needs to match the soil infiltration rate.

Uniformity: a measure of the uniformity of water distribution, usually requiring ≥85%.

5. Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

Water saving (saving 30%~50% more water than flooding).

Adapt to complex terrain (such as slopes).

Can be combined with fertilization (water and fertilizer integration).

Adjust the field microclimate (cooling, frost prevention).

Disadvantages:

High initial investment.

Affected by wind (uneven spraying on windy days).

High energy consumption (needs continuous pressurization).

6. Application scenarios

Agriculture: field crops (wheat, corn), cash crops (cotton, tea), orchards.

Gardens: parks, golf courses, urban greening.

Special uses: dust prevention and cooling (mines, construction sites), sewage recycling irrigation.

7. Precautions

Design: Select sprinkler heads and layouts based on crop water requirements, soil types, and climatic conditions.

Maintenance: Clean sprinkler heads regularly to prevent clogging; prevent freezing in winter.

Management: Avoid excessive irrigation that causes waterlogging or salinization.

Sprinkler irrigation is an important technology for modern high-efficiency agriculture, especially for areas with water shortages. Efficiency can be further improved by combining intelligent control (such as IoT monitoring).