What is sprinkler irrigation?
Sprinkler irrigation refers to a method of applying irrigation water through a combination and connection of various pipes and pumps. The water is sprayed into the air with the help of sprinklers that breaks the water molecules into small droplets which fall on the plants and soil. The pump supply system, sprinklers and other related factors are specifically designed for each farm in such a way that the water provided in the irrigation process is evenly distributed and entirely uniform.
Layout and components of a sprinkler system:
A simple and basic sprinkler irrigation system mainly consists of:
- Pump unit
- Sprinklers
- Laterals
- Mainlines and sub mainlines if needed.
Advantage of sprinkler irrigation:
• Helps in maintaining crops in a sustainable manner
• Reduces labour and water costs
• Uniform distribution of irrigation water
• Easy instillation and low maintenance costs
• Reduces unwanted water run-off
A sprinkler system generally uses a high-pressure pump and the size of the droplets is based on the efficiency of the nozzles in the sprinklers. This system works very similarly to natural rainfall as the spray heads spread and distribute the water across the entire soil surface and not just target the irrigation to the roots of the plants as done in a drip irrigation system.
What is drip irrigation?
Drip irrigation refers to the common practice of providing a specific area of the plant that are being cultivated with small amounts of water and nutrients at regular intervals of time. This nutrients and water mixture is generally provided directly to the roots area of a plant where the actual water absorption takes place. A drip irrigation system that is well installed and properly working has various benefits that can save farmers a lot of money in the long run and show the return on investments pretty quickly.
Advantage of drip irrigation:
• Reduces labour costs
• Reduces leaching of water and nutrients below the plant roots area
• Reduces unwanted water run-off
• Boosts plant growth
• Prevention of plant diseases by reducing the contact of water with leaves
A drip irrigation system has increased irrigation effectiveness to over 90 percent allowing the waters to receive the right quantity and the exact absorption location that not only boosts plant growth but also ensures that no resources are wasted in this process. There are various components to a drip system that will define it effectiveness and it can vary based on certain external factors that drastically influence the same.
Choosing the right mode of irrigation automation is important as this can help farmers save a lot of unwanted costs by reducing wastages. The right mode of irrigation will not only help farmers but also boost plant growth by creating the perfect environment for the plants to grow in with the right quantity of water which will prevent the case of over flooding or under irrigation. Based on the pros and cons of each system the right irrigation mode can be suggested by our team of highly trained experts.