Analysis of uniformity of sprinkle irrigation in a semi-arid area

• Published in: Agricultural water management Vol. 40; no. 2; pp. 315 - 331
• Main Authors: Tarjuelo, J.M, Montero, J, Honrubia, F.T, Ortiz, J.J, Ortega, J.F
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.05.1999; Elsevier Science; Elsevier
• Series: Agricultural Water Management
• Subjects: Agricultural and forest climatology and meteorology. Irrigation. Drainage; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Biological and medical sciences; Centre pivot; Discharge efficiency; EFFICACITE; EFFICIENCY; EFICACIA; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; IRRIGATION PAR ASPERSION; Irrigation. Drainage; Permanent solid set; RIEGO POR ASPERSION; Semi-arid areas irrigation; SEMIARID ZONES; SPRINKLER IRRIGATION; Uniformity; USO DEL AGUA; UTILISATION DE L'EAU; WATER USE; ZONA SEMIARIDA; ZONE SEMI ARIDE; Europe; Spain; Permanent solid set; Centre pivot; Uniformity; Semi-arid areas irrigation; Discharge efficiency; Water management; Sustainable agriculture; Center pivot irrigation; System performance; Semi arid zone; Water resource management; Water use; Sprinkler irrigation; Mediterranean region; Discharge; solid set system
• ISSN: 0378-3774; 1873-2283
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-3774(99)00006-2

One of the most appropriate sprinkler systems for arid or semi-arid areas – where a great deal of irrigating water is required – are the permanent set systems and the continuous-move laterals. To know the reality of water application in this type of areas, many field evaluations of solid set systems and centre pivot irrigation were conducted in Castilla-La Mancha region (Spain). The main factors affecting water application and evaporation and drift losses with these systems (pressure, wind speed, sprinkler type, etc.) were analysed. A set of performance guidelines and recommendations for the design and management of sprinkle irrigation is presented to attain the highest uniformity and efficiency in water application in semi-arid areas. To use working pressure as low as possible, but with sprinklers that produce a great deal of middle size water drops along with night irrigation for minimising evaporation and drift losses are important aspects.