What is the difference between spray irrigation and sprinkler irrigation in New Zealand?
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Understanding the difference between spray irrigation and sprinkler irrigation in New Zealand can be quite confusing as in practical irrigation applications the terms are often used interchangeably. To examine the difference, we need to look at the literal definitions of spray irrigation and sprinkler irrigation, as well as how these irrigation terms are used.
In New Zealand, irrigation is widely used throughout many regions with the Canterbury region having the highest irrigated area followed by the Otago, Manawatu, Waikato and Southland areas of New Zealand. Irrigation in general terms distributes water to land to assist in the production of crops. Irrigation supplements the natural water supply, replicating the benefits of natural rainfall. With such extensive use, considerable attention is given to sprinkler system design in New Zealand and associated spray equipment supplies throughout all regions of New Zeaqland that rely on irrigation.
Sprinkler irrigation in New Zealand uses a method of applying water in a controlled manner that replicates the pattern of rainfall. It is usually performed with the assistance of a pump which helps to shoot water into the air, where it breaks into smaller droplets and falls to the ground in a rainfall pattern.
The definition for spray irrigation is very similar. Spray irrigation in New Zealand distributes water through the air in a way that resembles rainfall. Spray irrigation also relies on a water pump and system of piping and emitters, very similar to sprinkler irrigation systems. Perhaps that is why the two terms are so interchangeable and New Zealand farmers often refer to both spray and sprinkler irrigation systems concurrently sprinkler system design Melbourne .
It seems that the real difference between spray irrigation and sprinkler irrigation lies in the mechanism or more precisely the irrigation equipment supplies used. Various sprinkler heads and emitters can be used to control the flow rate, droplet size and jet force. Each type of sprinkler head or emitter has its own irrigation pattern. Spray emitters typically output a very fine mist in what appears to be a continuous spray. Sprinkler heads project the water further, with more force, larger droplets and a greater flow rate than spray emitters, sometimes with visible intervals in the sprinkler jet.
In practice, the choice between spray irrigation and sprinkler irrigation is all about finding the most practical irrigation solution and selecting either the most appropriate spray equipment supplies for your crop or the sprinkler irrigation heads that best suit farming in your region of New Zealand.
For example in a greenhouse situation overhead spray irrigation would be very effective especially when used in conjunction with micro drip irrigation. Whereas, sprinkler irrigation used in conjunction with a centre pivot would be much more effective to irrigate a whole field or crop. Consideration should be given to sprinkler spacing, sprinkler flow rate, precipitation rate, droplet size and jet impact when designing an irrigation solution for your property. Sprinkler spacing can mitigate against wind interference and evaporation, providing a more even distribution of water. Care should be taken to adjust the flow to avoid runoff, flooding and soil degradation. Sprinkler heads and emitters should be chosen with care to avoid damage to young crops and seedlings from jets that are too powerful.
Regardless of the type of crop you need to irrigate, care should be taken in the design phase and the expertise of a irrigation equipment specialist should be utilised. They will be able to help you design and implement the best irrigation solution for your property and help you navigate the world of spray irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and the various heads and emitters available to help you irrigate your property.
Once you have established that a spray/sprinkler irrigation system could be valuable on your property, it will be important to check if you can get a permit. In New Zealand a water permit/consent must be obtained which will limit how much water you can use. If you are able to get a permit, you will then need to consider water storage and water pumping as part of your overall irrigation system design. In New Zealand specialist advice can be found at Think Water outlets. They also provide easy access to all your sprinkler and spray equipment supplies. Your irrigation system design will require many components. Specialists at Think Water will be able to help you navigate everything from the irrigation system design, irrigation equipment supplies, installation and ongoing advice and support.
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