Low Pressure Sprinkler Retrofits

Farmers began implementing center pivot irrigation systems in Georgia in the 1970’s, and the conventional models operated at high pressure with impact sprinklers spraying water from the top of the pivot mainline. However, converting these systems from high to low pressure with spray-type sprinklers on drop hoses generates considerable water and energy savings by applying water at a lower pressure more directly to the soil surface to reduce evaporation and wind drift losses. Combined with the installation of end gun controls to keep irrigation inside the field boundary and the repairing of leaks in the system, retrofitting a pivot can save up to 20% of water application.

Today’s low pressure spray-type sprinklers are designed to produce a very uniform application of water droplets over the field. In combination with drop hoses, these type sprinklers help to reduce losses to wind drift and evaporation by applying water closer to the crop in larger droplets. High pressure impact sprinklers, in comparison, spray the water much higher in the air with smaller droplets. Also, low pressure spray-type sprinklers are unique in the fact that they operate between 10 to 30 psi allowing them to have a lower energy requirement. However, these sprinklers have a relatively small wetted radius resulting in a high application rate which can be an issue in certain soils.

Low pressure spray-type sprinklers come in many types including water impact plates that rotate, spin, wobble, or remain fixed, resulting in various application patterns.

Farmers began implementing center pivot irrigation systems in Georgia in the 1970’s and the conventional models were high pressure systems spraying water from the top of the pivot mainline. Converting these type systems from high to low pressure generates considerable water and energy savings. Combined with the installation of end gun controls to keep irrigation inside the field boundary and the repairing of leaks in the system, retrofitting a pivot can save up to 20% of water application.