Sprinkler Irrigation – A Brief Overview

Ever since humans first started growing their own crops, people have been searching for irrigation methods that would increase and optimize their yields. Over time, this led to the development of various field irrigation systems, which differ from each other in terms of how the water is obtained and applied to the soil. In today’s world of large-scale crop production, agricultural growers tend to gravitate towards pivot irrigation sprinklers.

In a pivot sprinkler irrigation system, the water is taken from a source such as a river, well or reservoir (usually with the aid of a pump), and transported through  pipes to individual sprinkler heads, which are attached to the pipe structure in equally spaced intervals. As the water passes through the sprinkler heads, it is sprayed into the air before falling to the ground in the form of small droplets. It is, therefore, the irrigation method that most closely emulates natural rainfall.

This has numerous advantages with regard to both crop health and productivity. Perhaps most importantly, sprinkler irrigation allows water to be distributed with a high degree of uniformity – ensuring that every area of fertile soil receives the appropriate amount of water. This minimizes wastage, improves the overall health of the crop, and increases the volume and quality of the final yield. 

An irrigation system’s uniformity is measured in percentages (with the aim of coming as close to 100% as possible), and is influenced by several factors – primarily, by the type of sprinklers installed along the pivot pipeline; other factors include the size, quality and design of the respective nozzle, as well as the pressure with which the water is driven through the pivot pipeline. 

All sprinklers are built to perform within a specific pressure range, and can only maintain their distribution pattern when operating within the parameters for which they were designed. This means that, if the incoming water pressure is higher or lower than the pressure range for which the sprinkler was intended, the sprinkler’s distribution pattern and application rate will be altered. This can result in under or overwatering, as well as premature wear of the sprinkler’s components. For this reason, every sprinkler package should include a pressure regulator – a device whose main purpose is to ensure that the system’s outlet pressure always remains the same, regardless of fluctuations in the inlet pressure. 

Another advantage of sprinkler irrigation is its versatility: it is suitable for almost all crop types – from arable crops (grains, pulses and oil seed crops) to vegetables and fruit trees. It is also suited to most topographic conditions (including undulating land) and soil types (one notable exception being heavy clay soil).

With regard to conserving water, sprinkler irrigation has proven to be highly efficient, with potential water savings of up to 50% compared to other irrigation methods. Opting for a pivot irrigation system is an excellent way to grow successful crops in regions that are experiencing water scarcity. Furthermore, when water is applied to the soil in the form of droplets, the risk of run-off is greatly minimized. This way, water wastage and erosion of the soil can be reduced to a minimum.

 Center pivot and linear irrigation systems can be used to apply fertilizer as part of the irrigation process. This enables growers to produce stronger, more robust crops without having to spend time and energy on a separate fertilizing process. Essentially, pivot sprinklers serve a dual purpose – yet another benefit that sets this irrigation method apart. 

 Overall, sprinkler irrigation is an irrigation method that is extremely efficient, convenient and reliable, as crops can be watered automatically at set times on certain days of the week – requiring less labor, and leaving less room for human error. 

Center Pivot Sprinklers Made in Austria: Field Irrigation System Sprinklers for a Multitude of Applications 

Komet has been producing state-of-the-art sprinkler heads for center pivots and linear irrigation systems since 2006. Regardless of which type of sprinkler you are looking for, Komet’s product catalog covers all major purposes and areas of application. The current product range spans from high-pressure sprinklers such as the Komet Twin Ultra line (for use in agriculture, sports-turf irrigation and dust control, as well as industrial wastewater and mining applications) all the way to the Komet Precision Twister (also available as a top-of-pipe variant for taller crops), or the highly innovative Komet Precision Wave for end-of-system application. 

  Quality, durability and versatility are a key priority with all Komet products, which are tested – and, ultimately, utilized – in all types of fields, climates and topographies around the world. As part of its intense quality control program, Komet has previously tested its prototypes on 45 pivot systems on 5 continents. Over the past 20 years, the company has established an increasingly global presence, including opening additional branches in Brazil and the United States. Komet products have been shipped to customers on both sides of the equator, be it Eastern Europe, China, Brazil, South Africa or the US. 

In addition to designing and manufacturing innovative, high-quality solutions in the field of sprinkler irrigation, Komet also places a strong focus on sharing its expertise in the field of pivot irrigation with existing and prospective customers. To this end, the company has established the Komet Academy – a program of predominantly online seminars, offering straightforward explanations of all aspects of irrigation – from common pitfalls to the complex interaction between water and soil. This not only empowers customers to make informed decisions about which sprinkler package will be best suited to their specific crop, soil type, topography and overall requirements, but also helps growers expand their knowledge and expertise in their chosen field. Additionally, the company publishes topic-specific articles in the form of a blog. Instead of focusing solely on a specific irrigation method, these features explore a variety of subjects – from in-depth looks at various products, to real-life case studies that outline the experiences of customers who are currently using Komet products in different parts of the world.