Center pivot irrigation is a sprinkler-based system used to irrigate large agricultural areas, delivering water in a way similar to rainfall. center pivot irrigation distributes water according to soil type and moisture needs, making it a flexible and highly efficient solution. This system can operate under various weather conditions, requires fewer workers compared to traditional irrigation methods, and is known for its reliability and ease of use.
How Center Pivot Irrigation Works
The system is built on a long pipeline—typically around 400 meters—equipped with sprinklers along its length. The pipeline is fixed at a central pivot point and supported by towers spaced 25–75 meters apart. These towers move using wheels or skids, allowing the sprinklers to rotate in a circular pattern.
The sprinklers distribute water in a circular coverage area with a diameter ranging between 142–168 mm. The rotation of the pipeline is powered by electric motors, and both water pressure and flow rate can be controlled depending on the soil’s needs.
Components of a Center Pivot Irrigation System
A standard center pivot system includes the following components:
- Control Panel: Contains switches and controls for managing irrigation operations.
- Water Source
- Water Supply Pipeline
- Sprinkler Pipeline
- Support Towers
- Wheels or Skids
- Central Pivot Point
- Sprinklers
Advantages of Center Pivot Irrigation
Center pivot irrigation offers several significant benefits:
- Suitable for irrigating a wide variety of crops, including potatoes, soybeans, corn, and most vegetables.
- Can be adapted for orchards and vineyards.
- Allows easy application of fertilizers through irrigation water.
- Simple to operate.
- Centralized control from the pivot point.
- Requires fewer workers for operation.
- Automatically returns to its starting point when irrigation is completed.
- High water-use efficiency, ranging between 85–95%, outperforming many other systems.
- Cost-effective for large-scale agricultural projects, with a lifespan of up to 20 years with regular maintenance.
Disadvantages of Center Pivot Irrigation
Despite its benefits, the system has some drawbacks:
- High initial installation cost.
- Relatively costly maintenance.
- High electrical energy consumption.
- Requires skilled workers for operation and maintenance.
- Irrigation occurs in a circular pattern, leaving the field corners unirrigated.
- Higher water application rate near the outer end of the pivot.
- Not suitable for square or rectangular fields.
- Can cause fungal diseases due to frequent irrigation schedules.
- Some mobile systems operate effectively only on relatively flat lands.
How to Evaluate a Center Pivot Irrigation System
To ensure the system is operating efficiently, the following factors must be measured:
- Low Quarter Distribution Uniformity (DU)
- Coefficient of Uniformity (CU)
- Sprinkler Discharge Rate
- Sprinkler Operating Pressure
- Evaporation Losses
- Application Efficiency of the Center Pivot System
