SYSTEM DESIGN By Eric Wilkening O


ne of the top priorities of an irrigation manager is to ensure that their irrigation system applies a uniform depth of water across the irrigated area. A uniform application


ensures that crop water demands are satisfied throughout the field, leaving no areas over- or under-irrigated, and crop yield expectations are met. When the irrigation requirement varies within a field, center pivots equipped with zone- control variable rate irrigation technology have become a useful management tool. Particularly, zone-control VRI systems allow irrigation managers to delineate custom management zones within an irrigated area without the boundaries created by the traditional radial operation pattern of a center pivot system. In operation, each individual sprinkler along the pivot lateral is pulsed on and off via a solenoid- operated valve to apply the prescribed depths to the custom-delineated areas.


While these zone-control systems are good at improving irrigation water use efficiency, they come with quite literally hundreds of additional components in comparison to a traditional center pivot. When it comes time to perform regular system checks and maintenance, additional points of inspection must be added to the checklist to maintain the efficiency gains and ensure the additional investment in the system pays off.


Published during the Irrigation Association’s partnership with the American Society for Agricultural and Biological Engineers for the 6th Decennial National Irrigation Symposium in 2021, a “Sprinkler Irrigation System Field Checklist” serves as an excellent reference for both new and experienced irrigation technicians on maintaining traditional center pivot and linear move irrigation systems. The checklist presents common


While zone-control systems often improve irrigation water efficiency, they add many additional components compared to a traditional pivot. Those points require regular checks and maintenance along with the rest of the system. Photos: Eric Wilkening


Winter 2023 | Irrigation TODAY 23


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