Influence of sprinkler height on the uniformity of water distribution of a central pivot system

Abstract

An irrigation system should provide water management with maximum efficiency. For this, the performance of the system in operation must be evaluated. One of the parameters utilized in the evaluation is the uniformity of water distribution, which is represented by the coefficients of uniformity of Christiansen (CUC). The CUC values obtained in field trials are affected by diverse factors. This study had as its objective to analyze the influence of the number of radial lines and of the height of the emitters in relation to the impounding surface of these emitters on the value of the coefficient of uniformity of water distribution in an irrigation system of the central pivot type. Three emitter heights (1.10 m, 1.65 m and 3.20 m), and four variations in the number of radial collector lines were utilized (one, two, three and four). The analysis of the results showed a statistical difference by Tuckey´s test at 5% of probability in relation to the CUC values obtained in the three emitter heights. The importance of the use of two radial collector lines was shown in evaluation of a central pivot system in the field.