MAIN ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF SPRINKLER IRRIGATION

The main advantages of sprinkler irrigation,

Ø Expansive land leveling is not required.

Ø Water saving irrigation intensity can be changed in accordance with the infiltration capacity of soil.

Ø High efficiency due to uniform water distribution.

Ø No special skills trained personal can operate the system reasonably well.

Ø Ease and uniform application of fertilizers and pesticides through irrigation system.

Ø Possibility of applying minute quantity of water for germination and other irrigation systems.

Ø Frequent and light irrigation possible giving better response from the crops.

Ø Increase in yield and quality, early ripening, water conservation and alternative value of specific period saving of labor, machinery, fertilizer and pesticides.

Ø Soil moisture is maintained at optimum level by sprinkler irrigation and 20 higher yields are obtained of crops and the quality of other crops is also good.


There are certain disadvantages of sprinkler system.

v Higher initial cost.

v High and continuous energy requirement for operation.

v Under high wind condition and high temperature distribution and application efficiency is poor.

v Highly saline water 7mm hos/cm causes leaf burning when temperature higher than 95 F.

v When lands have been already leveled and developed for surface or other irrigation methods

sprinkler irrigation is not so economical.

v Loss of water due to evaporation from the area during irrigation.

v Above canopy sprinkling may cause washing of spray, materials and aggravate the incidence

of pests and diseases.