Sprinkler irrigation saves water and increases yield. The high initial cost of sprinkler system is the limiting factor for its large scale adoption in field crops. Higher irrigation efficiency and longer life can be achieved, if system is maintained properly. Advance irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler irrigation system help save irrigation water. In sprinkler irrigation system the water is applied to the soil surface in the form of a spray, resembling rainfall. When water under high pressurepasses through small orifices or nozzles it breaks into a spray. If the farmer carefully selects the nozzle sizes, operating pressure and sprinkler spacing, water can be applied uniformly to the field resulting in higher water use efficiency. Sprinkler irrigation can be used for almost all crops and on most soils excluding heavy clay soils, The amount of water can be controlled to meet crop needs, and light applications can be made efficiently on seedling and young plants. Soluble fertilizers, herbicides and fungicides can be applied along with irrigation water. Sprinkler irrigation saves irrigation water (20-40%) and increases yield (up to 25%). Some farmers are using sprinkler irrigation for field crops such as cotton, vegetables and orchards.
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