Operational Analysis of Water Application of a Sprinkler Irrigation System Installed in a Golf Course: Case Study

Abstract

Popup sprinkler irrigation systems are usually installed in golf courses, orchards, and lawns. Evaluation of these systems is considered essential to identifying any necessary improvements. To this end some performance indicators have evolved for comparison of the existing performance with established design criteria of the system. The irrigation uniformity and application efficiency of any irrigation system are important factors which are strongly affected by pressure and wind speed. In this study, the water application uniformity, system efficiency, water application rates, jet losses, and soil infiltration characteristics were considered as the basic performance indicators. The low quarter distribution uniformity of the system varied from 43 to 57% and the application efficiency was found to be only 34–47%. The Christiansen uniformity coefficient varied from 61.7 to 68.9% for different operating pressures. More losses were found for day time irrigation than for night time irrigation. Surface runoff was observed at the bottom of the mounds due to high infiltration at their tops. Overall performance of the system was found unsatisfactory and some changes are suggested for its improvement.