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How To Install A Sprinkler System for Agriculture Irrigation

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-06-23      Origin: jf-irrigation.com

Professional Guide to Installing Agricultural Irrigation Sprinkler Systems: From Field Planning to Efficient Operation

I. Preliminary Planning: Requirement Analysis and System Selection

1. Irrigation Scenario & Crop Characteristics Survey


  • Crop Type: Field crops (corn, wheat) require large-area uniform irrigation, while fruit trees/vegetables need targeted local sprinkling.

  • Topography: Fixed systems suit plain areas; hilly/mountainous terrain requires considering slope impact on water pressure (recommend terraced pipeline layout).

  • Water Source Conditions: Wells, rivers, or reservoirs must match water pump power (e.g., for well water flow ≤50m³/h, select centrifugal pump + variable frequency control cabinet).

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2. Sprinkler System Type Selection (by Mobility)


Type Characteristics Applicable Scenarios Cost Reference
Fixed Pipes buried underground, sprinklers fixed Permanent planting areas (orchards, greenhouses) High (1,500-3,000 RMB/mu)
Semi-fixed Main pipes fixed, branch pipes movable Field crops (corn, cotton) Medium (800-1,500 RMB/mu)
Mobile Entire system transportable (e.g., reel sprinkler) Temporary planting areas, multi-field rotation Low (500-1,000 RMB/mu)


3. Core Parameters for Sprinkler Selection


  • Spray Radius: Choose based on crop height (e.g., 10-15m for wheat fields, 15-20m for fruit trees).

  • Sprinkling Intensity: ≤5mm/h for sandy loam, ≤10mm/h for clay (avoid waterlogging).

  • Atomization Degree: Use fine atomization sprinklers (e.g., deflector type) for seedling stage, and rotary sprinklers for mature plants.

II. Design Scheme: From Drawings to Material List

1. Pipeline Layout Principles


  • Main Pipes: Install along the long side of the field with a slope ≤0.3% (prevent water accumulation), preferably made of PE pipes (anti-aging, pressure-resistant).

  • Branch Pipes: Perpendicular to main pipes, spacing = 2×sprinkler radius (e.g., 15m radius → 30m spacing).

  • Control Valves: Set sectional valves every 50-100 meters for zoned irrigation or maintenance.


2. Material List Example (for 10 mu field)


Category Specification Quantity Function
Water Pump Flow 60m³/h, head 50m 1 unit Provide system pressure
Main Pipe PE pipe, DN63 (Φ63mm) 300m Main water transport
Branch Pipe PE pipe, DN32 (Φ32mm) 500m Connect sprinklers
Sprinklers Rotary type, 15m radius 30 units Uniform water spraying
Filter Centrifugal + screen combo 1 set Prevent sand blockage
Control Box Variable frequency + timer controller 1 unit Automatic irrigation control

III. Installation Steps: From Construction to Debugging

1. Construction Process (in chronological order)


  • Step 1: Surveying & Marking
    Use GPS to position the main pipe centerline, mark branch pipe positions at 30m intervals (adjust per sprinkler radius), with error ≤50cm.

  • Step 2: Trench Excavation
    Main pipe trench depth ≥80cm (below frost layer), width 30cm; branch pipe trench depth 50cm, slope 1:0.5 (prevent collapse).

  • Step 3: Pipeline Connection

    • PE pipes use hot melt connection (temperature 220±10℃, pressure retention for 10 minutes);

    • Wrap joints with sunproof tape (prevent UV aging).

  • Step 4: Sprinkler Installation
    Insert sprinkler   (stands) vertically into branch pipes, height ≥20cm above crop top (avoid leaf obstruction), use sealing rings to prevent leakage.


2. Key Technical Points


  • Water Pressure Test: After system filling, pressurize to 1.5×working pressure (e.g., 0.3MPa normal → 0.45MPa test), hold for 30 minutes; pressure drop ≤0.05MPa is qualified.

  • Spray Uniformity Debugging
    Place 20 measuring cups in the field, run the system for 30 minutes, calculate uniformity coefficient:

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    Uniformity Coefficient (CU) = 1 - (Average Deviation / Average Value) × 100%  
    Qualified Standard: CU ≥85%


IV. Common Issues & Solutions

Problem Phenomenon Possible Cause Solution
Uneven sprinkler water Insufficient pipeline pressure Increase pump power or shorten pipeline distance
Frequent filter clogging High sand content in water Add sedimentation tank, replace high-precision filter
Pipeline leakage Inadequate hot melt temperature Re-melt (ensure no impurities at joints)
Low irrigation efficiency Incorrect sprinkler selection Replace sprinklers per crop water demand (e.g., switch to atomizing sprinklers for vegetables)

V. Efficient Operation & Maintenance Guide

  • Seasonal Maintenance

    • Drain pipeline water before winter in northern regions (prevent freezing), disassemble sprinklers for storage;

    • Check pipeline joint tightness before each spring plowing, clean filters (recommend monthly).

  • Intelligent Upgrading Suggestion
    Install soil moisture sensors + IoT controllers to automatically start/stop the system based on soil humidity (saves ≥30% water).

VI. Cost Optimization & Policy Subsidies

  • Cost Control Tips

    • Adopt a hybrid model of "fixed main pipes + movable branch pipes" to reduce material costs by 20%;

    • Purchase PE pipes in bulk (≥500m for wholesale price, 15% lower than retail).

  • Policy Support
    Consult the local Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau for the "High-standard Farmland Construction Project," which offers 30%-50% subsidies for sprinkler system installation (requires advance filing).


Conclusion: Installing agricultural sprinkler systems requires balancing technical standards with field realities. Prioritize field surveying and hydraulic calculations (use Excel hydraulic calculation sheets), and commission professional irrigation companies for complex terrains to ensure a service life of ≥10 years. For exclusive solutions for specific crops (e.g., tea gardens, vineyards), provide detailed scenario parameters for in-depth design.


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