Advantages and Disadvantages of Sprinkler irrigation

Here are some advantages of sprinkler irrigation system

Advantages of sprinkler irrigation

• Sprinkler irrigation provides high efficiency as the water distribution is uniform.
• One of the main advantages of Sprinkler irrigation system is, it can be adopted for all types of soil.
• In a sprinkler irrigation system, the water distribution can be controlled, so it helps in saving water and supplying water in the required quantity for plants.
• There is no loss of cultivable area due to the construction of sprinkler irrigation channels.
• Expansive land leveling or terracing is not required;
• Possibility of adding fertilizers or pesticides to irrigation water in an economic way;
• Possibility of irrigating for other purposes: sprouting, frost protection, or cooling during hot periods;
• Lower labor requirements as compared to traditional surface irrigation approach.

Related – Types of Irrigation Systems | Methods Applied in Agriculture

Disadvantages of sprinkler irrigation

• The initial investment is high as the cost of equipment (sprinklers and pipes) are expensive and high operating costs due to energy requirements for pumping and labor costs.
• Chances of evaporation loss are high under high wind conditions and high temperatures.
• Unavoidable wetting of foliage in field crops results in increased sensitivity to diseases;
• When a sprinkler irrigation system is used to supply Highly saline water (>7 millimhos/cm) causes leaf burning, when the temperature is higher than 35 degrees (Celsius).
• Debris and sediments in irrigation water can cause clogging of sprinkler nozzles.
• The main disadvantage of sprinkler irrigation system is it requires a continuous power supply to operate.

Also read – Methods to Control Evaporation From Lakes