Technical Evaluation of Different Sprinkler Irrigation Systems in Field Condition

Semnan province faces water and soil limitations due to its geographical location, desert and semi-desert climate. Pressurized irrigation methods are used as one of the options for improving water use efficiency in this province. In this study, sprinkler irrigation systems were evaluated in Semnan province. For this purpose, 6 sprinkler irrigation systems including wheel move, classic with portable sprinkler, and center pivot systems were evaluated in different farms. Potential and actual application efficiency (PELQ and AELQ), uniformity, and distribution coefficients (CU and DU) for wheel move systems were 40.7%, 29.6%, 57.2% and 52.7%, respectively, and for classic systems with portable sprinkler they were 54.8%, 54.8%, 75% and 65%. For center pivot system, these parameters were 83%, 79.6%, 5/94%, and 91%, respectively. In center pivot system, these parameters were the best. Good designing, new and appropriate sprinklers, and low height of sprinklers were the factors causing better operation of this system. Next to center pivot, the classic system with portable sprinkler had better performance. New and appropriate sprinklers, low height of sprinklers, and appropriate pressure in this system increased the efficiency in farm No.4, while in farm No. 5, inappropriate sprinklers distance decreased efficiency of the classic system with portable sprinkler. In other farms, low pressure of sprinklers, decreasing the discharge and spray radius of sprinklers relative to nominal values and high pressure difference in the system caused low efficiency of wheel move system.