Gun sprinkler
Description
Travelling gun systems use a large sprinkler mounted on a wheel or trailer, fed by a flexible rubber hose. The sprinkler is self-propelled while applying water, travelling in a lane guided by a cable. The system requires high operating pressures, with 100 psi (per square inch) not uncommon.
Advantage and limitations
- Adaptable for irrigating corn, potatoes, vegetables, alfalfa and field crops.
- Adaptable to irregular-shaped fields.
- Moderate costs.
- Less labour than hand moves laterals.
- Require high operating pressures and high-power pumping units.
- Towpaths are required in the crop.
- Wind seriously affects the distribution pattern, causing non-cropped areas to be wetted.
- Low efficiency due to high evaporation and runoff potential.