Implementation of low-pressure rotary sprinkler irrigation systems in tropical areas

The use of low pressure in sprinkler systems produces heavier water droplets that are more resistant to disturbances caused by tropical winds, which frequently change direction and speed. Irrigation systems engineered with pressure levels optimized according to regional wind speeds can deliver efficient water distribution, reduce water consumption, and promote better plant development. This study aims to evaluate the performance of a sprinkler system operated at low pressure by considering the influence of wind speed on the uniformity of water distribution. The experiment was conducted using the MegaNet rotary sprinkler system, with low-pressure variations of 60, 70, and 80 kPa under different wind speed ranges (0–2.5, 2.5–4.0, and 4.0–6.0 m s −1 ). Each experiment was repeated three times. The coefficient of water distribution uniformity was determined using Christiansen’s coefficient of uniformity method. The research results showed that the sprinkler irrigation system performed fairly (average CU of 75.05%) when operated at low pressures of 70 and 80 kPa under wind speeds ranging from 0 to 6.0 m s −1 . However, to achieve optimal system performance with a good water distribution uniformity coefficient (80–90%), the sprinkler should be operated at a pressure of 80 kPa under wind speeds of 0–4.0 m s −1 . In this experiment, the sprinkler produced an average water distribution uniformity coefficient of 80.91%, a flow rate of 1.35 l min −1 and a wetted area of 91.56 m 2 . Local wind factors influence the design and operation of low-pressure sprinkler irrigation systems in tropical regions.