TECHNOLOGY


Choosing the right WATER APPLICATION PACKAGE


By Steve McCoon, CID


Understanding the factors that     considering today’s technology 


F


or many soil types, water conditions and terrain, center pivot irrigation can be the most uniform and efficient method of irrigation. These irrigation projects are


customized, planned and engineered to ensure that the equipment investment and input dollars are spent as effectively as possible.


Modern center pivot manufacturers have an amazing array of engineering and digital technology options to offer the agricultural irrigation industry. It can be a challenge to determine what specific products and technologies are appropriate for your operation.


When it comes to pivots, the water application package (sprinklers, pressure regulators, nozzles and charts) is where the rubber meets the road; or in


this case, the water meets the soil. There are many factors that affect the optimization of center pivot water application packages. Knowing these factors and how they play a role in effective and efficient irrigation is important when making decisions concerning which water application package to use and how to best use it.


Understanding irrigation’s effect on soil


Every farm has its own mix of soil types, slopes, water infiltration rates and crop needs. It is key to remember that the most important part of the water delivery system from the water supply to the root systems is the soil itself. As irrigators, we can either help or hurt the soil’s structure and intake rate. It is valuable to know how the sprinkler droplet size, distribution throughout the radius and


At maturity, some crops are very tall, like some corn varieties. Keeping the sprinklers on top of the pipe can help maintain a maximum radius and high uniformity.


16 Irrigation TODAY | Summer 2020 irrigationtoday.org


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