|
|
ECO-FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES
WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES
SPRINKLER IRRIGATION SYSTEM
As
irrigation accounts for maximum consumption of fresh water resources,
therefore proper attention is required to conserve this water. Since
surface method of irrigation is most commonly practiced which contribute
major portion of it to evaporation and seepage losses. This method of
irrigation should be avoided and method like sprinkler irrigation method
should be used to have maximum irrigation efficiency.
-
In
the sprinkler method of irrigation, water is sprayed into the air and
allowed to fall on the ground surface somewhat resembling rainfall. The
spray is developed by the flow of water under pressure through small
orifices or nozzles.
-
The pressure is
usually obtained by pumping with careful selection of nozzle sizes,
operating pressures and sprinkler spacing, the amount of irrigation
water required to refill the crop root zone can be applied nearly
uniformly at a rate to suit the infiltration rate of soil, thereby
obtaining efficient irrigation.
-
Due to higher
installation and operational cost the sprinkler system is currently
considered beneficial mainly to high value cash crops.
Adaptability of Sprinkler System
-
Sprinkler irrigation can be used for almost all
crops (except rice and jute) and on most soils. It is however, not
usually suitable in very fine textured soil (heavy clay soils) where the
infiltration rates are less than about 4 mm per hour.
-
The flexibility of the sprinkler equipment and its
efficient control of water application make this method adaptable to
most topographic conditions without extensive land preparation and
leveling. This saves considerable cost and does not disturb the soil.
-
The amount of water can be controlled to meet crop
needs and light application can be made efficiently on seedling and
young plants leading to better germination or increased yield per
hectare.
-
Soluble fertilizers, herbicides and fungicides can
be applied in irrigation water economically with little extra equipment.
The fertilizer is distributed evenly without waste to the root system
for immediate and effective response by the crops.
-
Saves water thus irrigating more land.
Approximately 54% to 71% of water applied by surface irrigation is lost
through deep seepage and evaporation. The sprinkler system supplies
only the required amount of water for crop root zone. The saved water
can irrigate 25% to 33% additional area.
-
Helps to grow more crops per year, as three or
even four crops per year can be grown. Crops can be planted at the
right time without waiting for seasonal rains to achieve maximum growth.
-
Helps in saving of land, as there is no need to
contract bunds or water channels hence more land under crops.
-
Reduce pests as it sweeps away all pests present
on the surface of leaves.
-
Easier harvesting of root crops because the soil
remains friable and uncompacted.
-
Low running cost as compared to that of other
lifts irrigation system.
Disadvantages of the Sprinkler System
Eco-Friendly Water Technologies
Page Revised on Oct.2009
|
