Sprinkler Packages
Watering Considerations
Reinke has always offered only the best sprinkler products to provide a multitude of droplet sizes and pattern widths using advanced rotary, offset axis rotary and fixed spray sprinkler technologies best suited for the specific crop or application. Whether you use our standard water pipe with 57" sprinkler outlet spacing or our LEPA (Low Energy Precision Application) water pipe with 40" sprinkler outlet spacing, we have the sprinkler products available that are capable of generating desired application rates. By utilizing a variety of plates, operating pressures, mounting heights and sprinkler spacing we can custom design a sprinkler package to virtually fit every field.
Soil Type
Different types of soil need different types of irrigation. The difference in the water application rate is due to the rate at which water permeates through the soil and becomes saturated. It is important to supply enough water to maximize yield; however, it is also as important not to over-water as it can lead to yield reduction.
Droplet Size
Water droplet size is an important application consideration.
The basic consideration of droplet size depends vastly on the amount of water being supplied (GPM) and the pressure at which the water is being supplied (PSI).
Establishing the correct droplet size will depend on many variables such as the soil type of the field, the crop being grown in the field (tomatoes vs. corn) and the amount of wind during the application.
Uniformity
Uniformity is the application of water spread evenly over a given area.
The sprinkler spacing should not be too close or too far apart. The coverage area provided by the sprinkler needs to overlap, at a minimum, the coverage area of two or more sprinklers near the pivot and preferably four or more sprinklers toward the end of the system. Another method is to apply the water directly in furrows that follow the path of the system.
Knowing that the pressure of the water being applied to the crop ground is constant helps ensure proper uniformity of the field. This consideration is why regulators are most often recommended to maximize both uniformity and yields.
A windy day can impact uniformity. The type and length of drop in addition to a weight either mounted on the drop or on the sprinkler can reduce the winds effect on uniformity.
Outlet Spacing
Outlets are spaced in three different intervals:
- 57" Standard
- 40" LEPA (Low Energy Precision Application)
- 30" Special Order
Closer outlet spacing allows for watering closer to the ground (furrow). This strategy could lower long-term operating costs as less water is wasted, less pressure is needed and less energy is required.
Sprinklers
At Reinke, there are abundant and diverse options supplied by three major sprinkler providers:
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KOMET®
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NELSON®
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SENNINGER®
Regulators
As stated earlier, knowing that the pressure of the water being applied to the crop ground is constant helps ensure proper uniformity of the field. Pressure regulators vary in capacity from 6 PSI up to 50 PSI.
Weights
Weights are an important component to reduce wind drift and increase uniformity. Additional weighted options are available on drops.
Drops
The drop is used to apply water below the center pipe and varies in length to reach closer to the ground.
The point at which the sprinkler applies water to the crop is referred to as the sprinkler height.
Primary Drop Types: Black Plastic, PVC, Galvanized, Black Hose, Blue Hose
Drop Combinations: Black Plastic / Hose & PVC / Hose
*Drop types are limited based on the length of drop needed.
Goosenecks
The gooseneck, or u-pipe, is the part that is bent (in a U-shape) and attached from the outlet at the top of the center pipe to the drop.
There are many options in goosenecks that can be filtered by the type of connection (M x M, M x F, M x HB), the length of gooseneck or by the type of material used in the gooseneck.
Boombacks
Boombacks can be utilized to apply the water behind the tower (wheel track) as it moves through the field using part circle sprinklers.
Boombacks can be mounted in pairs to the span pipe on either side of the towers or a single boomback can be placed directly over the tower with part circle sprinklers on 2 to 4 drops on either side of the tower.
Boombacks are generally placed on the trailing side of the system but can be doubled up for part circle systems, so the application can be switched when the system is reversed.
Galvanized or PVC material is used to manufacture the boombacks.
Primary End Guns
The primary end gun is used to irrigate additional acres beyond the end of the system.
The type of primary end gun as well as end gun nozzle is based on the GPM, pressure and range of coverage.
Secondary End Guns
Secondary end guns can be used to help fill the void created when and where the primary gun is turned on and off at the field boundaries.
Misc. Accessories
Additional components used in the application of water include but are not limited to: valves, adapters, clamps, couplings, pressure gauges, tubing, booster pumps, pipe joint compound, and dual (or triple) nozzle clips.
For further information about water application, please contact your local dealer.