For most landowners, a center pivot irrigation system is one of the most important investments they will ever make. Despite the initial outlay, the cost-benefit ratio is extremely favorable in the long term, particularly in areas where natural precipitation can be irregular or scarce.

As vital as the mechanized system itself is choosing the right center pivot sprinklers. To achieve optimal results (in other words: a high yield of healthy crops, good soil integrity, and an efficient performance of the center pivot irrigation system both in terms of water and energy usage), the center pivot sprinkler package should be designed with several factors in mind.

For example, different crops require different application rates for their development and growth. This should always be reflected in the type of sprinkler heads installed. Also, in order to achieve an uninterrupted, evenly wetted area, the right number of center pivot sprinklers must be positioned along the pipeline with the correct spacing, as this ensures maximum water application uniformity.

Growers should also be aware of the depth, consistency and texture of the soil, as this determines how fast the water emitted by the center pivot sprinklers is absorbed by the soil. This is known as the infiltration rate, and is usually expressed in inches per hour. The infiltration rate primarily depends on the percentage of sand, silt and clay in the soil. Sandy soils, for example, have a high infiltration rate, as the water moves more quickly through its larger pores. Heavier, clay-rich soils, on the other hand, generally have a lower infiltration rate, as they have small pores and very little structure or aggregation. As a result, clay-heavy soils are especially prone to surface sealing and compaction, and therefore require a lower application rate.

While the application rate is something that can be adjusted, it is worth bearing in mind that every center pivot sprinkler model is manufactured and designed to operate within a specific flow range. Deviating from this stipulated range might interfere with the sprinkler head’s intended distribution pattern (resulting in uneven watering of the crop) and can also lead to premature equipment wear.

As a rule, the application rate of the center pivot sprinkler must always match the infiltration rate of the soil. If they are out of sync, this can result in runoff (especially if the terrain is sloping), as well as under or over-watering of certain parts of the field.

Which brings us to the size of the droplets emitted by the center pivot sprinkler – a crucial factor in maintaining both soil integrity and crop health. Larger droplets generate a high kinetic energy; this can not only damage seedlings and more sensitive crops, but might also disrupt the texture of the soil, causing surface sealing and compaction. This, in turn, prevents the water from reaching the roots where it is needed. Droplets that are too small, on the other hand, are much more prone to misting and evaporation. Ideally, therefore, a center pivot sprinkler should emit droplets that are large enough to withstand wind drift, misting and evaporation, but small enough to avoid surface sealing, compaction and erosion on tighter soils.

Komet Sprinkler Heads for Center Pivot Irrigation Systems

Komet’s sprinkler heads are sophisticated, highly engineered distribution devices that are specifically designed to strike this balance. With the Komet Precision Twister (KPT), for example, the company has used its in-depth research into an optimized droplet size to produce a center pivot sprinkler that can be installed along the entire irrigation system, and is suitable for crop types across the board. The KPT is intended for installation on flex-hose, combi drops (semi-rigid poly and hose) and semi-rigid poly drops, and meets all of the requirements that were identified in Komet’s studies on high-efficiency irrigation – including the ability to operate at low pressures.

A genuine all-rounder, the Komet Precision Twister (KPT) is also available as a top-of-pipe variant – aptly named the Komet Precision Twister (KPT) Peak. With its consistent distribution pattern and excellent wind-drift resistance, the KPT Peak can be installed above the plant canopy to effectively irrigate tall-growing field and tree crops.

The third variant in Komet’s KPT center pivot sprinkler range is the Komet Precision Twister (KPT) PC-180 part circle sprinkler – a game-changer in the field of 180-degree irrigation. A part circle sprinkler is a sprinkler that sprays water in a 180° (half circle) pattern. Part circle sprinklers are typically installed around the tower of a center pivot irrigation system. Their purpose is to irrigate crops right up to the edge of the wheel tracks, while avoiding the tracks themselves.

Previously, part circle sprinklers usually came in the form of either fixed-spray or rotating stream devices – neither of which is geared towards maintaining a uniform application pattern. The Komet Precision Twister (KPT) PC-180 part circle sprinkler, on the other hand, is the first dry wheel track solution on the market to simultaneously provide an even distribution of optimally-sized droplets across the entire wetted area.