A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Center Pivot Irrigation Systems

The global demand for irrigated cropland is rising, propelled by increasing temperatures and intensified droughts attributed to climate change. This demand, coupled with advancements in technology enhancing the efficiency, adaptability, affordability, and ease of use of central pivot systems, is driving their adoption worldwide. While center pivot irrigation systems have traditionally been associated with large-scale farming operations, they are now gaining traction worldwide. Read on to learn more about these systems in detail.

What are Center Pivot Irrigation Systems?

Center pivot irrigation, also referred to as water-wheel or circle irrigation, is a crop irrigation method where equipment rotates around a pivot point, distributing water to crops through sprinklers. This technique is widely favored for its efficient water usage and its ability to optimize overall farm yield, particularly on large land fields. Considered the most efficient and effective form of irrigation, center pivot irrigation systems have gained widespread adoption. Some of the prominent center pivot irrigation manufacturers include Valley Irrigation, Reinke Manufacturing Company, Lindsay Corporation, and many more.

Decoding their History

The history of center pivot irrigation traces back to its invention in 1940 by Frank Zybach, a Colorado farmer. Initially water-powered, these systems are now typically propelled by electric motors. Zybach continuously refined the technology and eventually partnered with A.E. Trowbridge to commercialize it. They established a shop in Nebraska and sold 19 systems in their inaugural year of business. However, the benefits of center pivot irrigation were initially not well understood by many farmers. Fast forward to the 21st century, this is not only a well-known concept but also widely adopted.

What Are The Benefits Of Center Pivot Irrigation Systems?

Center pivot irrigation systems offer numerous benefits that contribute to their popularity among farmers:

1. Efficient Water Usage: These systems are designed to distribute water efficiently over large areas, conserving water resources and reducing waste. Their energy efficiency surpasses many other irrigation methods, which makes them a sustainable choice.
2. Improved Crop Growth and Yield: Center pivot irrigation systems ensure consistent water distribution, promoting healthy plant growth and higher yields. Precise water application prevents overwatering or underwatering, maintaining optimal soil moisture levels.
3. Reduced Labor Costs: Compared to manual irrigation methods, center pivot systems require minimal labor once set up. Remote operation and monitoring allow for efficient management of large areas, freeing up farmers to focus on other tasks.
4. Flexibility and Adaptability: These systems can be tailored to different crops and terrain types, offering farmers flexibility in their irrigation practices. Customization options enable precise water application and nutrient management.
5. Prevention of Pests and Diseases: Consistent watering reduces crop stress, helping prevent pests and diseases. Healthy plant growth minimizes the need for chemical pest control measures, promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.
6. Cost-Effectiveness: While initial investment costs may be higher, the long-term benefits of water efficiency and increased yields result in higher profits for farmers.
7. Versatility: Center pivot systems can be utilized for more than just irrigation. They can also apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, serving as versatile tools for crop management.

The advantages of center pivot irrigation systems make them an attractive choice for farmers seeking efficient, reliable, and sustainable irrigation solutions.

Notable Improvements in Center Pivot Irrigation Systems

Growers have several options to enhance and adapt traditional center pivot designs to suit their specific needs:

• Lateral Move Irrigation System: Similar to traditional center pivot systems, lateral move machines travel in a straight parallel line, providing better coverage for square or rectangular fields. However, because the entire machine moves, water is supplied from a ditch parallel to the field, making it more labor-intensive during the growing season.
• Corner Systems: These systems, also known as corner catchers or swing spans, are added to center pivot systems to irrigate non-symmetrical regions that the pivot circle misses. These additional towers and pipes, guided by a system, extend irrigation to the corners of fields.
• End Guns: These systems are installed at the end of pivots and deliver irrigation water up to 120 feet out. While a lower-cost alternative to corner systems, end guns may not provide uniform water distribution and could lead to under or over-irrigation in certain areas.
• Towable Systems: Towable center pivot irrigation systems are installed on towable end towers, allowing farmers to hitch them to a tractor and move them between fields. Useful for smaller areas or providing supplemental irrigation, towable systems require labor for transportation and may not be suitable for arid regions.
• LEPA System: Low Energy Precision Application (LEPA) systems mount sprinkler nozzles close to the ground and emit water at low pressures, reducing water usage and energy consumption. While beneficial in windy areas, LEPA systems can contribute to runoff and may damage crops if water application is below the canopy.

Due to these improvements, growers can optimize their center pivot irrigation systems to better suit their land layout, water conservation goals, and crop management needs.

Bottom Line

Center pivot irrigation systems have proven to be an efficient and effective solution for crop irrigation. These systems offer numerous benefits, including efficient water usage, improved crop growth and yield, reduced labor costs, flexibility, prevention of pests and diseases, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. By providing precise and consistent water distribution, center pivot systems ensure optimal soil moisture levels and promote healthy plant growth. The ability to adapt to different crops and terrains, along with the potential for additional applications such as fertilizers and pesticides, further enhances the versatility of these systems. While these systems require regular maintenance, their long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment. As farmers continue to seek sustainable and efficient irrigation practices, center pivot systems remain a reliable and effective choice for optimizing agricultural productivity.