Influence of sprinkler operational parameters on the cost of conventional sprinkler irrigation systems

Abstract

The criterion used to select sprinklers in a conventional sprinkler irrigation system is based, in a first instance, on the water application intensity, which must be lower than or equal to the soil's basic infiltration velocity. However, other operating factors must be considered in the selection of sprinklers because these factors can influence the total annual cost of the irrigation system. Therefore, this paper aimed to evaluate the influence of the operation parameters of different commercial models of sprinklers on the cost of a conventional semifixed sprinkler irrigation system. The simulated variables were the operating pressure, the spacing between sprinklers, and the water application intensity of different sprinkler models available in the Brazilian market. We found that the operating pressure and flow variables most influenced the total annual cost of a conventional sprinkler irrigation system and must be considered in the project cost analysis so that the sprinklers that best suit the project can be selected.