Just as the name suggests, a rain gun sprinkler works in a way that sprays water like a shower. With the current technological advancements, rain guns can be used to irrigate any crop. This article focuses on explaining what rain gun irrigation is and its advantages.
Irrigation can be done in various ways and using different equipment. According to the latest levels of technology, more and more innovations are being carried out in many agricultural research fields to produce or come up with more efficient equipment that will favor the production process in the farm sector even more.
Rain Gun is a large area that covers many sprinklers that can replace even up to ten ordinary or small sprinklers. It has a distinguishing feature: it does not need laborers to move the sprinklers from one place to another. It is ideal for large-scale irrigation because the sprinklers can throw water far distances due to the water’s high rotary speed and pressure. This is attained by using high pressure water pump.
For one rain gun, it can sprinkle water on up to approximately one acre when irrigating from one point. Just minimal movement of the equipment can help a farmer cover up the whole farm.
Advantages of Rain Gun Irrigation System
It is more efficient. Rain gun sprinkler irrigation is more efficient in saving water and time. The ability of the sprinklers to spray water to far distances, i.e., one acre at a single point of irrigation, help even save resources such as money that would have been used to hire laborers to move the sprinklers. It is indeed an ideal type of irrigation that can serve better.
It is durable and maintenance-free. The system is generally long-lasting because damage to the equipment is minimized. In places where the sprinklers are fixed, the maintenance cost is usually free because there is a minimum disturbance, like the system’s movement now and then. The expenses that would be used for repair are then shifted to other sectors of development.
It is suitable for all crops and soils. The system can spray water uniformly, whereby droplets’ size and rainfall conditions are effectively controlled. Therefore, it can favor all types of crops and even the soil types in any given place.
The system saves on electricity. If all farm motors come under the unit soon, the system will keep a more significant percentage of power. This factor increases the life span of the engines and pumps used. It is also an added advantage to the farmer whereby the cost of power and electricity bills is significantly reduced.
Disadvantages of the System
Despite that the system is more advantageous; it also has some shortcomings that may inconvenience the farmer in one way or the other. These are described below. It may not work well in forested areas. Sprinklers will generally work well in places where there are no trees. If the farm is found in a location where trees are planted in the middle of the field, then there will be a hindrance to the water spray, which will not be effective.
It needs highly skilled personnel to do repairs. The system consists of motors requiring highly trained personnel to do repairs. It may inconvenience the farmer regarding the cost of hiring the specialist.
ConclusionWe can summarize this article by saying that rain gun irrigation is an effective form of irrigation that serves to bring more benefits to the farmer. However, it may have some disadvantages also. Check rain gun sprinkler price in kenya.
