Understanding Basic Irrigation Components

Water Source - Well

  • a common method to access groundwater, providing a reliable supply for irrigation needs.

  • Pump System - Essential for drawing water from the well to the surface, ensuring adequate pressure and flow for distribution.

Water Source- Municipal Source

  • water supplied by local government systems, ensuring consistent availability for agricultural purposes.

Backflow Preventer- A device that prevents water from flowing backward into the main supply, protecting the water source from contamination and ensuring safe irrigation practices. Required on almost every system. You never hook an irrigation system to your hose bib on your house.

Irrigation Controller- A device that automates the watering schedule based on specific parameters, such as soil moisture levels, weather conditions, and plant needs, allowing for efficient water usage and reducing the risk of over- or under-watering.

Automatic Sprinkler Valve - A valve that controls the flow of water to the sprinkler heads, allowing for precise irrigation of specific areas in a landscape or field, thereby optimizing water distribution and minimizing waste. Requires 24V power to operate effectively, ensuring that the valve opens and closes at the designated times set by the irrigation controller. These devices regulate the flow of water through the irrigation system, allowing for precise control over when and how much water is distributed to each section, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing waste.

  • Main Line is on the upside of the valve and pressurizes the valve, delivering water from the source to the various zones of the irrigation system. The mainline is always pressurized. This ensures that each section receives the appropriate amount of water needed for optimal plant growth.

  • Lateral Lines - These are smaller pipes that branch off from the mainline and deliver water to the individual sprinkler heads or drip emitters, ensuring that water reaches the targeted areas effectively.

  • It’s impossible to water all of your landscape all at once. The water supply isn’t large enough. To manage this limitation, a scheduling system is often implemented, allowing for staggered watering times that optimize water usage while ensuring that all areas receive adequate hydration.

Sprinklers - These devices distribute water over a designated area through a system of fixed nozzles, providing an efficient means of irrigation for lawns and gardens.

Spray

  • Spray sprinklers: These are designed to distribute water in a spray pattern, covering a wide area and are ideal for small lawn areas and flower beds.

  • Generally spray heads are used to irrigate areas 15ft and smaller. Changing the nozzles inside can adjust the angles. 45degrees, 90 degrees, etc.

  • Sprays have a 1/2” inlet

Rotors

  • Rotors: These sprinklers rotate to distribute water over larger areas, making them suitable for lawns and gardens that exceed 15ft in width. They are often adjustable, allowing for customized coverage and efficient water usage.

  • Has only 1 nozzle angle in it and the angles can be adjusted by changing the nozzles out. Rotor has a 3/4” inlet

Rotors and sprays can be equipped with a pressure regulator to ensure optimal water flow and prevent overwatering, which is crucial for maintaining healthy plants and conserving water resources.

Rotors and sprays are not ran on the same zone because they operate under different pressures, flow rates and precipitation rates, which can lead to inefficient watering and uneven coverage.

Drip

In-line Tubing : This is used to deliver water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing evaporation and runoff. It can be easily installed along garden beds or in rows of crops, providing a consistent and efficient moisture supply.

  • Emitters: These are attached to the in-line tubing and release water slowly and evenly at the plant's root zone, allowing for precise irrigation tailored to individual plant needs.

Piping

Piping serves as the main transport system in an irrigation setup, connecting the water source to the various components of the irrigation system. It is essential for maintaining adequate pressure and flow rates, ensuring that water reaches all areas of the irrigation network efficiently.

Generally PVC is the type of irrigation pipe used due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ability to handle high pressure. Other materials, such as polyethylene and galvanized steel, may also be used depending on the specific requirements of the irrigation system.