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Different Types of Sprinkler Systems
09/06/10
Spray sprinkler heads
Spray sprinkler heads either pop-up out of the ground or have a stationary
head. Spray heads are most commonly used on small areas; turf, shrubs or flower
beds. There are heads designed to spray in all different patterns – depending
on the area to be watered. The most common spray patterns are full, half and
quarter circles. Some heads are adjustable to a wide variety of angles. In addition
to circle patterns, spray heads can also spray rectangle and square patterns.
Spray sprinkler heads put out a lot of water in a short amount of time. This
means they have a high application rate. There is a large range of precipitation
rates for different types and brands, but the average output is 1.5 to 1.7 inches
per hour. Spray heads work well on flat surfaces and with soils that can absorb
the water quickly, such as sand. If spray heads are used on steep slopes or
with a clay soil, the watering times should be cycled to allow the water to
infiltrate into the soil instead of running off onto the street.
Sprinkler Rotor heads
Rotor heads come in two main styles: stream (driven by a gear) or impact. They
are useful in covering large areas, and typically apply water more uniformly
than spray heads. Rotors can spray in full or part circle patterns, and some
brands are adjustable to a wide variety of angles. The application rate of a
sprinkler rotor is usually lower than that of a spray head. Typical values are
0.6 to 0.8 inches per hour. This slower output allows them to be used on all
soil types with less cycling.
Sprinkler Drip Systems
Sprinkler Drip systems have become popular for irrigating non-turf areas. A
drip system usually consists of a special tube or hose with holes or emitters
along it. These emitters may be spaced with a fixed distance to cover uniform,
closely spaced beds, or randomly to only water certain plants.
Drip irrigation can save time and money when installed properly. It applies
water directly to the soil, eliminating over-spray onto roads and driveways.
The output of drip systems can vary significantly, anywhere from 0.5 to 24 gallons
per hour. S
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