Sprinkler selection for line-source irrigation systems

Line-source sprinkler irrigation systems have been widely used in plant water relations studies, but lack guidelines for selection of appropriate sprinklers for specific applications. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate different sprinkler types for potential application in a special line-source sprinkler system for a specific plot size. During its course, a general procedure was developed that can be used to analyze can-catch data from tests on single sprinklers run at different combinations of pressures and nozzle heights. This allows the water application gradient away from the sprinkler to the determined and provides data for selecting the best spacing and sprinkler pattern for maximum uniformity in a line-source application.