Types of sprinkler irrigation system

A. On the basis of portability:

a. Portable system:

• Has portable main lines, laterals and a portable pumping plant.
• Designed to be moved manually or by mechanical power.

b. Semi-portable system:

• Lateral lines are portable and main lines, sub mainlines and a stationary water source and pumping plant are permanent.
• The main lines and sub lines are buried with riser for nozzle located at suitable intervals.

c. Permanent System:

• It consists of sub mains, laterals and a stationary water source and pumping plant.
• Sprinklers are permanently located on each riser, mains, sub mains are laterals and are usually buried below plough depth.
• Expensive for establishment.

B. On the basis of labor and energy requirement

a. Central pivot system:

• From one system, 1 ha land cane be irrigated at once.
• The length of lateral line ranges from 50-500 m.
• One end of lateral line is connected with central pivot and another end revolves in circular manner on the field.

Disadvantage of central pivot system

• 10-25 % area remains unirrigated.
• Necessity of high energy
• It costs expensive.

b. Lateral movement method:

• A hydrant is drawn on the soil face from the main line buried into the soil.
• Lateral line is connected with hydrant and sprinklers are arranged on both sides of lateral lines which moves up and down along the lateral lines and irrigate the field.

c. Gravitational system:

• Used if the water is in sufficient height to create sufficient pressure (about 0.7 to 1.5 kg/cm²).
• Sufficient for small sized irrigation.