Assessment of sprinkler irrigation systems with emphasis on performance criteria and operation problems

In this research, pressurized irrigation systems including 7 center pivot, 3 linear, and 8 solid-set with portable sprinklers systems in the provinces of Tehran, Qazvin, Alborz, and Qom were assessed using by uniformity coefficient, distribution uniformity, Potential Application Efficiency of Low Quarter, Application Efficiency of Low Quarter, and of Irrigation Adequacy indices. In order to compare the assessed systems, weighted averages of all used indexes were calculated. The results showed that the weighted average of mentioned indices are 78, 63, 69, 69 and 49 for center pivot, 75, 68, 64, 55 and 62 for Linear, and 77, 66, 60, 60 and 61% for solid-set with portable sprinkler respectively. By analyzing indices and comparison with field and pumping stations observations, it was found that the incorrect design, mismatch between design, performance and management, and incorrect operation are the main causes of low performance.