Center Pivot And Lateral Pivot Irrigation System- Find Out The Differences To Choose The Best

Growers have two main options when looking for different agricultural irrigation systems to service larger fields. These options include various types of Center pivot sprinkler irrigation systems and lateral move sprinkler irrigation systems. The best option is determined by a variety of factors, including field size and water source.

The Key Differences

The basic difference between a Center pivot and a lateral pivot is that Center pivot systems have one end anchored and rotate around a fixed central point.

The lateral move irrigation system, on the other hand, works by having both ends of the machine move at a constant speed up and down a paddock because the lateral systems are not anchored.

Center pivot and lateral move systems necessitate an energy source to transport water from the source to the plant, as well as energy to move the machine around the farm.

What are the main parts of a Center Pivot or Lateral Move system?

The following components comprise Center Pivot or Lateral Move systems:

• A span is a pipe and framework that connects two towers.
• A tower holds up the spans and houses the drive mechanisms and wheels.
• The points at which water exits the main pipes are known as outlets.
• Emitters are connected to outlets directly or via rigid or flexible droppers. Emitters deliver water to the plants.
• Droppers are small diameter rigid or flexible pipes that allow emitters to be placed closer to the ground.

Read more: Solar Irrigation Can Help Indian Farmers Increase Crop Productivity

Now moving forward take a look at the differences between Center Pivot and Lateral Pivot Irrigation Systems in detail 

Center Pivot Irrigation System 

Center pivot sprinklers irrigate in a circular pattern around a central pivot point. These agricultural irrigation systems are available in a variety of pressure ratings as well as drive mechanisms. The central drive mechanism controls the entire system, propelling it around the circle and delivering water at the appropriate pressure to irrigate the land as programmed.

Sprinklers can be hydraulically, electrically, or motor-powered, with water fed into the equipment via the central pivot point. They work best on flat terrain, but with a powerful motor, they can also work on fields with a few degrees of slope.

Center pivot sprinkler irrigation systems are less expensive to operate than lateral move systems. They use less water but must be precisely programmed to deliver the appropriate amount of fluid. Higher-pressure systems have a wider range of applications, but they consume more fuel or energy. With the high-pressure application, there is also a faster rate of evaporation.

Lower pressure options, on the other hand, use less fuel or energy but have a smaller application area. Low-pressure sprinklers also increase the likelihood of soil erosion or runoff and consume more water. When working with these sprinklers, the main concern is determining the best rate of delivery based on soil type, sprinkler pressure, and pivot speed.

Lateral Move Pivot Irrigation System 

Lateral movement agriculture irrigation systems are made up of a single long feed line that is driven laterally down the length of a planted field, irrigating as it goes. These units are motor-driven, with gas or diesel-powered generator, and are intended for use on flat, rectangular-shaped fields with a low grade. They are preferable to circular pivot setups because they provide complete coverage to rectangular-shaped fields; however, there are some disadvantages to consider.

Lateral move sprinkler irrigation systems use low-pressure sprinklers to follow a guide, which could be a furrowed path in the ground, an above-ground cable, a buried cable via radio signal, or GPS navigation. They must also be fed, either by dragging a long hose behind the equipment or by digging a water ditch along the length of the planted field. A pump on the unit suctions up water and feeds it through the sprinklers in ditch-fed models.

Considering all of these factors, lateral move sprinklers necessitate more maintenance and repair, as well as more labor to install and manage. Because they use more water than circular pivot systems due to their low pressure, runoff and erosion must be considered.

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