JXCT explains all you need to know about sprinkler irrigation in this article – what it really is, how it works, what it does, where you can use it, the different types of sprinkler, the advantages of using it, and the likely costs of installing it.

What is Sprinkler Irrigation?

Sprinkler irrigation is the method or practice of spraying water onto a landscape or farmland in a controlled manner similar to rainfall. In this irrigation model, water is pumped through a system of pipes to a designated area. These pipes have outlets where there are sprinklers, and they shoot water into the air and it falls to the ground like raindrops.

How does Sprinkler Irrigation Work?

A basic sprinkler irrigation system consists of a pump unit, pipes, laterals, sprinkler heads, and a controller. The pump takes water from the source (this is generally the city water line) and discharges it with pressure into the pipe system. The pump is set to discharge water at a pressure level that is appropriate for an optimum rate of supply and volume to the landscape.
The pipe system can be installed above the soil surface depending on the type of system it is, and the preference of the property owner. The most common materials used for manufacturing these pipes are aluminum alloy or plastic.

The lateral pipes transport water from the principal and secondary pipes to the sprinklers. These pipes can be both permanent and temporary. Temporary lateral pipes can be moved from one place to another.
Once the laterals bring the water to the sprinklers present in different sprinkler zones, the sprinklers disperse the water into the air in the form of a spray which then falls to the ground like tiny rainwater droplets. The sprinkler heads are placed in such a way that they provide complete coverage to the area and distribute water uniformly.The controller is the core of any sprinkler system, and through the controller, you can program the sprinklers in different zones to turn on and off at certain times of the day.

What are the functions of Sprinkler Irrigation?

Different smart irrigation systems have different functions and goals. The functions of sprinkler irrigation are given below.

Sprinkler irrigation should provide uniform irrigation coverage to the entire area. There should not be any dry spots or puddles on the lawn after the irrigation system is turned off, as this implies that the sprinkler system is not irrigating the area evenly.

Sprinkler irrigation should use water efficiently to prevent runoff due to excess watering. Runoffs cause loss of nutrients and topsoil due to erosion, and these happenings are common with manual irrigation. Therefore, the function of the irrigation pattern is to water efficiently to preserve soil quality.

Sprinkler irrigation should also water the area at a fast rate in order to save time and energy. Manual the irrigation pattern takes a lot of time and effort, and the function ofirrigation is to minimize this.

A side function of the irrigation pattern is to cool the area and reduce and control airborne dust.