Before we get into the benefits of this industry-changing technology, it is a good idea to know the basics of it first. Center pivot irrigation involves a unique machine that delivers water in circular patterns, covering the field area. It consists of a long water pipe that is supported by towers that are high enough to cover the mature crop. Depending on the size of the system, water can be transported to small and large field areas. These systems can also be used to irrigate multiple acres of land within a short amount of time.
Depending on the type and the age of the crop that is in the area of the center pivot, sprinklers can be suspended at certain intervals and heights. The towers in the system that support the pipe have a drive motor that allows the entire line to rotate at a central fixed point. At this point, the center pivot, water is forced into the pipe as well as the sprinklers. In 24 hours, the system travels slowly on wheels and completes one circle. The center pivot irrigation system can complete a full circle or it can be adjusted to complete a portion of a circle, which is efficient when there are obstacles like power lines and residences.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Centre Pivot Irrigation System:
Compared to other irrigation systems, the center pivot is one of the best options for watering your crop field effectively and efficiently. Center pivots dominate both the hand moved and large gun systems and are more efficient as they use less water. Center pivots have drop nozzles that can be set close to ground level and even below canopy level as crops grow. The nozzles were designed to rarely get clogged, and the system itself doesn’t require the sophisticated filters demanded by drip irrigation. This feature reduces water waste as the water is less exposed to the wind. And, once programmed to operate at a certain speed and deliver water at a certain volume, the system operates automatically. Usually, because these systems are automatic, they only require one person to do the work.
Center Pivots apply water gently to the crop field, reducing the risk of puddling or surface runoff, which are common disadvantages of using hand moved or big gun sprinkler systems. And, unlike furrow systems, center pivot irrigation systems do not cause much soil erosion and water coverage under the system is very orderly. Most center pivot systems have an expected life of about 20 years and offer the possibility of applying chemicals, like ripeners and fertilizers, to the crop field. Lastly, center pivots are more affordable than other irrigation systems.
Center-pivot irrigation (sometimes called central pivot irrigation), also called circle irrigation, is a method of crop irrigation in which equipment rotates around a pivot. A circular area centered on the pivot is irrigated, often creating a circular pattern in crops when viewed from above.
It sprays the water on the crop and it wast a huge amount of that water to evaporation. Using lines saves water but the cost is in the help. And there-in lies the advantage of the process. It is the least expensive of the methods of irrigation.
One disadvantage of center pivot irrigation system is that a circular field leaves a lot of unused space.
