Sprinkler Irrigation Method
When the irrigation water is applied to the land in the form of a spray, somewhat like artificial rain through a network of pipes and pumps, then this technique or method is known as sprinkler irrigation method or sprinkler irrigation system. It is also known as overhead irrigation.
The sprinkler irrigation system can be utilised for all the crops (except rice and jute) and for all types of soils (except heavy soil with very low infiltration rates).
Following are the 15 advantages and disadvantages of sprinkler irrigation method:
Advantages of Sprinkler Irrigation
1. This method is used for a large range of topographic conditions, soils and crops.
2. It is possible to give equal water to all crops, through this sprinkler irrigation method.
3. Borders, field channels, etc. are not required, so a lot of land area is available for cropping.
4. Erosion of soil can be controlled (as surface runoff is eliminated) by using sprinkler irrigation.
5. There is no need for land preparation, so labour costs are much lower.
6. This type of irrigation method is beneficial for seedling and plants which are very young.
7. In the sprinkler irrigation method, the time and amount of use of fertilizer can be better controlled.
8. This irrigation system is especially adaptable to more humid regions.
9. In this method, no cultivation area is wasted for making ditches.
Read More: Advantages and Disadvantages of Drip Irrigation System
Disadvantages of Sprinkler Irrigation
1. Under the windy conditions, the efficiency of water distribution and water application is less.
2. Sometimes the saline water can burn the leaves of the crops.
3. This irrigation system is costly to install.
4. The system is costly to operate and maintain.
5. The continuous supply of power is needed to operate such a system.
6. In this method, under high temperatures, more evaporation losses of water may take place.
Types of Sprinkler Irrigation System
A sprinkler irrigation system can be classified into the following three categories:
1. Permanent system
2. Semi-permanent system
3. Portable system
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