Are you looking for a new sprinkler irrigation system? If so, this handy guide will work you through some of the most important steps so you can make an informed decision, starting with a definition of some key terms: 
- Subsurface Irrigation: This fancy term simply means we’re watering plants from beneath the ground using tile drain lines. It’s like a secret underground water supply!
- Surface or Gravity Irrigation: This method relies on good ol’ gravity to help water flow across fields, nourishing the thirsty crops as they go.
- Trickle Irrigation (a.k.a. Drip Irrigation): Imagine tiny, controlled drops of water falling directly onto the roots of plants. That’s drip irrigation, a super-efficient way to keep our crops happy.
- Sprinkler Irrigation: Think of this as the crop water party! We use sprinklers to spray water over the fields, making sure everything gets a refreshing soak.
Let’s review what you need to know prior to setting up a sprinkler system for your field. There are a couple of crucial steps you need to take before you go shopping for one:
Step 1: You’ve got to check whether your soil is the right type for irrigation. Not all soil plays well with sprinklers, so you’ve got to be sure it’s up for the job.
Step 2: You need a nearby water source, and you may also need an irrigation permit from your local Department of Water Resources. They want to make sure you’ve got enough good-quality water to make your sprinklers work their magic.
Now, here’s the deal with sprinklers: They’re like Mother Nature’s rainmakers. They throw water through the air to mimic rainfall, which is pretty cool. But there’s something unique about them compared to other irrigation methods. The others directly shower water onto or below the soil.
The number of sprinklers you need can vary. You can have just one or a whole bunch. When you’ve got a bunch, they’re connected to a pipeline, spaced just right to make sure your field gets an even soaking.
When it comes to picking the perfect sprinkler system, there are some key things to think about:
- Field Shape and Size: How big is your field, and what’s its shape? This matters when choosing your sprinkler setup.
- Field Terrain: Does your field have lots of hills and steep slopes? That can affect which sprinkler system is the best fit.
- Time and Effort: How much time and labor can you commit to running the system throughout the growing season? This impacts your choice too.
The most common kind on the sprinkler block is the center pivot. It’s great for many fields, but if your field is irregularly shaped, long and narrow, or has obstacles like trees or farmsteads, there might be better options out there. So, take these factors into account when you’re deciding which sprinkler system is your field’s perfect match!
Still have questions? Give Triple K Irrigation a call at 517-458-9741 or email us at info@triplekirrigation.com! We are here to help!
