Irrigation · June 2025 · 5 min read
Center pivots irrigate more U.S. cropland than any other system, but many operate well below their potential efficiency. Simple adjustments to nozzles, pressure, and speed can save water and boost uniformity.
Match your nozzle type to soil and crop conditions. Low-pressure drop nozzles hung close to the canopy reduce evaporative losses by 10–15% compared to high-pressure impact sprinklers. Use fixed-plate spinners on heavier soils to create larger droplets that resist wind drift, and rotating-plate spinners on sandier soils where gentle application prevents runoff.
Maintain the manufacturer's recommended pressure at the pivot point and end gun—typically 25–40 PSI for low-pressure systems. Running below design pressure creates poor distribution patterns and dry spots. Adjust pivot speed to apply ¾ to 1 inch per pass rather than deeper, less frequent applications, which reduces runoff and keeps water in the root zone.
VRI technology allows individual sprinkler zones along the pivot to apply different rates based on soil type, topography, or crop need. Prescription maps built from yield data, soil EC maps, and satellite imagery direct water away from low-need areas like waterways or sandy knolls. Growers using VRI typically report 10–15% water savings and more uniform yields across variable fields.
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