Traveling irrigation system

Types of traveling irrigation systems

A traveling irrigation system is a type of irrigation system that can be moved from one location to another so as to water a specific region or area. There are several ways in which the traveling irrigation system can move or be moved. These methods are usually classified under different types of traveling irrigation systems.

• Travelling irrigator: The travelling irrigator also known as the big wheel irrigator is a type of irrigation system commonly used by farmers with large land or field areas. The travelling irrigator comprises a spool of hose, water cart, driver mechanism, and spray nozzle. It is mostly pulled by a cable attached to a winch for its movement. This irrigation system can be set up in any kind of area, especially open fields.
• Rain gun irrigation: The rain gun irrigation system is a portable sprayer that typically disperses water and its minerals in the form of droplets resembling raindrops. The rain gun operating pressure is usually high, and with this, it can cover a larger area. Its coverage area, however, depends on the nozzle size. Different types of nozzle sizes produce different sizes of droplets and can also have different coverage areas.
• Drip irrigation on wheels: This is a type of irrigation system that exactly mimics how a traditional drip irrigation system works. The main difference between the two systems is that with the irrigation systems on wheels, farmers will be able to move the system into any desired location as against having to permanently set the traditional drip irrigation system in any location.

Specifications and maintenance of a traveling irrigation system

Specifications:

• Flexible tubing: The size and length of the flexible tubing are dependent on the specific traveling irrigation system and the crop field. Typical diameter ranges from 3 to 10 cm and the length usually varies from 100 to 400 m.
• Drag hose: The Drag hose indicates the weight used to move the traveling irrigation system, such as vehicles, trailers, or wheeled barrels. The material and design of the drag weight will impact its traction and stability.
• Spray gun or sprinkler: The spray gun or sprinkler is the irrigation head of the traveling irrigation system. It determines the irrigation pattern and water droplet size. Different types of spray guns or sprinklers have different flow rates, diameters, and mounting methods.
• Power source: The power source for a traveling irrigation system may include electric motors, gasoline generators, diesel generators, solar panels, and more, each with a unique power capacity and drive method.
• Irrigation controller: An irrigation controller is a device that controls the amount, time, and frequency of water applied to crops. It may include a microprocessor, sensor systems, and other components, with varying programmable parameters and controllability.

Maintenance:

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the spray gun or sprinkler of the traveling irrigation system to remove dirt, blockages, or infectious disease pathogens. Ensure that the irrigation head is unobstructed and functioning properly.
• Inspection: Periodically inspect key components, such as flexible tubing, drag hose, power source, and irrigation controller. Check for any signs of damage, looseness, or malfunction and address any issues as soon as possible.
• Lubrication: For components like drag weights and movable parts, regularly lubricate them, applying appropriate grease or lubricant to reduce friction and prevent wear.
• Electrical maintenance: For traveling irrigation systems with electric motors or controllers, regular electrical maintenance is necessary. Check connections, insulation, and circuit conditions, ensuring that electrical components are in good working order.
• Components replacement: If any component of the traveling irrigation system, like the spray gun or flexible tubing, gets damaged or worn out, it should be immediately repaired or replaced to ensure the normal operation of the system.
• Seasonal maintenance: Before the start of the irrigation season or after its end, conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance of the entire traveling irrigation system, cleaning and dealing with pests to avoid damage during the off-season.

Uses of a traveling irrigation system

With the flexibility to suit different farming settings and necessities, the traveling irrigation system is useful in any agricultural sector where it is necessary to irrigate crops efficiently.

• Orchards and vineyards: It is possible to use a traveling irrigation gun sprinkler system in an orchard or vineyard, like an apple, peach, or grape farm, by adapting its irrigation rate, droplet size, and wetting pattern to the specific tree or vine row spacing and the plants' distinctive needs. Irrigate thoroughly in enough depth and control soil moisture around the root zone of fruit trees and grapevines.
• Vegetable and field crops: Drenching vegetable or field crops, such as lettuce, carrot, wheat, or maize, can be done with a traveling irrigation machine. One can vary irrigation intervals and droplet sizes based on different plants' germination, growth, and harvest stages. A traveling irrigation system promotes healthy root development and prevents crop diseases by ensuring adequate soil moisture and reducing waterlogging.
• Land with slopes and hills: Using a traveling sprinkler irrigation system on sloped and hilly land with the portable traveling irrigation machine is more feasible and easier than using fixed irrigation systems because of its adaptability and ease of setting up, especially when managing the irrigation in terraced fields, preventing erosion and runoff through controlled irrigation, and allowing water to soak into the soil adequately.
• Pastures and lawns: A traveling irrigation system is as good as other irrigation methods for watering pastures and lawns. It also has the advantage of covering large areas quickly and uniformly, making it a good and economic choice when irrigating large areas like a soccer field or a huge farm.
• Greenhouses and nurseries: This irrigation system efficiently irrigates seedlings and young plants of different species cultivated in nurseries or greenhouses at different temperatures. It is possible to use the system in closed greenhouses or open fields, which are vulnerable to pests and diseases.

How to choose

Here are some important factors that travelers irrigation system buyers should consider when choosing these tools:

• Crop needs and terrain:

  They should consider their crops irrigation requirements and the field topography. Determining the precise amount of water crops need helps to choose a system that has the capacity and flexibility to meet it. Also, the landscape features of the farm, such as whether it is flat, sloping, or uneven, may affect the effectiveness of different movable irrigation systems. For instance, in cases where there is rough terrain, traveling sprinklers may be more suitable than lateral movers.

• Water source and pressure:

  Buyers should assess their available water supply and pressure before choosing a traveling irrigation system. The water source, whether it is a pond, well, or municipal supply, will determine what types of irrigation systems are feasible. For example, drip irrigation may not be practical if the only available water source is a small pond located far away from the fields. Moreover, buyers should ensure that their water pressure is compatible with the functioning of the selected irrigation system.

• Budget and efficiency:

  Budget is an important factor to consider when choosing an irrigation system. There are many different types of irrigation systems, and some will be more suitable depending on the budget constraints. For example, conventional irrigation methods like furrow irrigation may be simpler and cheaper initially but could cost more over the long term due to lower irrigation efficiency. On the other hand, an efficient movable irrigation system like drip irrigation will have a higher upfront cost but could provide significant water savings through its superior precision irrigation.

Q&A

Q: How big of a field can a traveling sprinkler irrigate?

A: The distance an average traveling sprinkler can travel depends on the type of irrigation system used. Starting with the farmer's normal walking distance, that distance can be 10,000 to 12,000 feet or about two to two-and-a-half miles. With a well program, a two-mile irrigated strip can produce a very economical and cost-effective irrigation system.

Q: How much water does a traveling sprinkler put down?

A: The most standard traveling irrigation system puts down approximately 0.25 to 0.5 inches of water per hour, depending upon the size of the traveling sprinkler, the water pressure, and the size of the sprinkler nozzles used.

Q: What are the advantages of a traveling irrigation system?

A: The benefits of a traveling irrigation system are as follows: The system is cost-effective for large fields. It also provides flexible irrigation scheduling and surface water conservation. Additionally, it can adapt to various crop needs and soil types.

Q: What are the disadvantages of a traveling irrigation system?

A: The limitation of a traveling irrigation system is that it is not suitable for all field shapes and sizes. It requires a water source with sufficient pressure. The winding and long set-up time can be cumbersome for daily operations. However, with proper planning and management, these limitations can be overcome.