Sprinkler Irrigation: A Modern Approach to Sustainable Farming

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Sprinkler Irrigation?
• Components of Sprinkler Irrigation System
  • Pumping Unit
  • Tubings
  • Couplers
  • Nozzles
• How Sprinkler Irrigation Works?
• Crops Suitable for Sprinkler Irrigation
• Government Schemes to Boost Sprinkler Irrigation
• Advantages of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems
• Challenges of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

Introduction

Sprinkler irrigation is among the most popular irrigation tools as it sprays water onto the crops like rainfall. Small nozzles or orifices develop pressure to transform water flow into powerful sprays. Pumping is usually preferred to create the pressure. You can carefully select the size of nozzles, sprinkler spacing and operating pressure to ensure adequate water for the crop root zone.

What is Sprinkler Irrigation?

Sprinkling irrigation provides water in a controlled way. The components of sprinkler irrigation systems include sprinklers, pipes, valves and pumps. Sprinklers are fit for use in all kinds of fields, gardens, and landscaping.

You can use them on fields of all sizes to enjoy suitable coverage. Also, they can be chosen based on varying discharge capacities. Spray irrigation crops include most of the field, row and tree crops.

Components of Sprinkler Irrigation System

The main components of sprinkler irrigation system include a pumping unit, tubings, nozzles and couplers.

Pumping Unit

Sprinklers can use a high-speed turbine or centrifugal pump for a field. Its pressure moves water through the nozzles of the sprinkler at high speed to form a spray. If the distance between the water source and the pump inlet is below 8 meters, you should use a centrifugal pump. Go with a turbine pump if this distance is over 8 meters or to pump water from deep wells.

Tubings

These are pipes consisting of laterals, submains and mainline. Water is distributed from the source to the submains using the mainline. It is then conveyed to the laterals via submains to be finally supplied to the sprinklers.

Couplers

This component is used for quick and easy connection and uncoupling of two pipes. Couplers ensure there is no water leakage at the joints.

Nozzles

The function of a sprinkler head or nozzle is to ensure uniform water distribution over the field. They are available in two types: fixed and rotating. A fixed type is usually best for irrigating gardens and small lawns. Rotating types have wider applications as they are long range irrigation sprinklers. They generally allow around 10-70 m head pressure at the sprinkler.

How Sprinkler Irrigation Works?

Sprinkling irrigation systems involve different parts working together to water your farm. Pumping is used to pass water around through a network of pipes. Sprinklers split the water into small water drops that are sprayed over the crops. Water is distributed over the total soil surface with the help of spray heads.

A fixed nozzle sprays water in a single direction. On the other hand, rotating ones turn slowly and spray water in a circle. Long range irrigation sprinklers are valuable irrigation tools with applications in all kinds of fields, landscaping and gardens.

Crops Suitable for Sprinkler Irrigation

As per the research of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, experiments have shown that sprinkler systems can save more water in the range of 16-70% compared to the traditional method. Also, the increase in yield is between 3 and 57%. Check out the responses of some sprinkler irrigation crops to sprinkling irrigation:

The most common sprinkler irrigation crops are plantation crops like coffee and tea, flowering crops, vegetables and dry crops. However, it is recommended not to use large sprinklers for delicate crops like lettuce, as bigger water drops can damage it.

Government Schemes to Boost Sprinkler Irrigation

Indian Government is making continuous efforts for enhancing water use efficiency across the country. For this purpose, micro irrigation is being endorsed at farm level. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY-PDMC) introduced Per Drop More Crop component in 2015-16 for all states.

As per the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), this scheme aims to improve water use efficiency with the help of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) was formed in collaboration with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). This fund allows states to provide resources and set up innovative projects for micro irrigation.

Under the PDMC scheme, financial assistance/subsidy is offered for installing Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation systems. A subsidy of 55% of the indicative unit cost is available for small and marginal farmers. Additional incentives or top up subsidy are offered by some states for reducing the burden on farmers to adopt micro irrigation.

Advantages of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

The sprinkler irrigation method is highly valuable for farming in India. Here are some key reasons why:

• Water Conservation: India faces a water shortage; thus, water wastage is something to be tackled right now. You can save a lot of water as water conveyance channels are reduced.
• Enhanced Crop Yield: Controlled water distribution allows healthy growth of crops. There is less crop damage due to lack of nutrients and more crop yield.
• Energy Efficiency: Traditional irrigation methods consume a lot of resources like electricity and diesel. Sprinkler systems can be used as and when required to save these energy sources.
• Mitigation of Soil Erosion: Old methods like flood irrigation provide excess water to the fields. It contributes to soil erosion and loss of essential nutrients from topsoil. Sprinkler irrigation delivers a suitable amount of water evenly to crops and prevents water runoff.
• Labour Savings: You do not need to spend a major part of your day irrigating the field manually. Sprinklers save time and energy that you can put into other important tasks.
• Adaptability to Various Crops: Sprinklers are flexible and can be used for a variety of crops like cash crops, grains, vegetables and fruits. They can also be used in sandy soil conditions.
• Fertilisers: Sprinkler irrigation can easily distribute water-soluble fertilisers. It allows the uniform application of fertiliser without waste.
• Higher Efficiency: The sprinkler system offers high irrigation efficiencies as well as uniformity in comparison to other surface-based irrigation methods.

Challenges of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

• Wind Drift: Uneven distribution of water can happen if the speed exceeds 15 km per hour.
• High cost: The initial cost and operating cost are high.
• Water Supply: Sprinkler irrigation demands a stable water supply.
• Water Quality: Problems can persist with saline water. The water must not contain large amounts of sand, salt and other debris.