Advantages and Disadvantages of Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation

A. Advantages of Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation

a. Uniform distribution of water: Sprinklers provide relatively even coverage over the crop surface when properly designed and spaced.

b. Effective for cooling and humidification: Helps reduce greenhouse temperature and increases relative humidity, especially in hot and dry climates.

c. Useful for seed germination and nurseries: Provides light irrigation suitable for delicate seedlings and small plants without disturbing soil structure.

d. Flexibility in application

• Can be used for both soil-based and container-grown crops.
• Suitable for crops with close spacing.

e. Less labor requirement: Once installed, it reduces manual effort compared to hand watering or perimeter methods.

f. Integration with fertigation possible: Soluble fertilizers can be applied through the system, although efficiency is lower compared to drip irrigation.

g. Coverage of large areas: Sprinklers can irrigate wide beds or entire sections of the greenhouse simultaneously.

B. Disadvantages of Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation

a. High initial cost and energy requirement: Needs pumps, pipelines, and sprinkler heads, making it costlier than simple irrigation methods.

b. Water wastage and low efficiency

• Higher evaporation and wind drift losses compared to drip irrigation.
• Water-use efficiency is generally 60–70%.

c. Leaf wetting increases disease risk: Creates a moist canopy environment favorable for fungal and bacterial diseases such as downy mildew, late blight, and leaf spots.

d. Salt deposition on foliage: In saline water conditions, salt residues accumulate on leaves, causing scorching and reduced photosynthesis.

e. Inefficient for tall or dense crops: Lower canopy may receive less water if the crop is too dense or tall.

f. Requires proper pressure regulation: Uneven pressure leads to irregular droplet size and poor uniformity.

g. Not ideal for precise fertigation: Nutrient distribution is less targeted compared to drip or subsurface irrigation.