What Is a Micro Sprinkler?
A Micro Sprinkler is a small, low-pressure sprinkler designed to evenly distribute a small amount of water.
The term “Micro” originally signifies one millionth, but in this context, it is used to denote something “very small.” The watering method employed by Micro Sprinklers is referred to as micro-irrigation.
Originating in arid regions such as the United States and Israel, it is an irrigation method that allows for precise water management. Micro Sprinklers find use in countries blessed with abundant water resources, such as the Netherlands and Japan.
Uses of Micro Sprinkler
Micro Sprinklers are primarily used for watering vegetables, fruits, flowers, and other crops in greenhouses and open-field cultivation. Once installed, they allow for the interchange of nozzles with different watering capacities, catering to the needs of growing crops. This flexibility facilitates meticulous water management throughout the crop’s lifecycle, from seeding and germination to seedling growth, transplanting, and addressing heat-related concerns.
Moreover, they are suitable for activities such as the cultivation of cuttings and grafting, as well as for chemical applications such as pest control and fertilization. Outdoor applications, including misting for temperature reduction during hot summers, are also observed.
Characteristics of Micro Sprinkler
Advantages
In comparison to regular-sized sprinklers, Micro Sprinklers exhibit a high uniformity of water distribution. They can be adjusted in their installation environment using above-ground riser pipes and hanging adapters. This adjustability allows for fine-tuning water application patterns, including the amount, frequency, and height, to match the growth stages of crops, such as sowing, germination, seedling growth, and post-transplanting.
Disadvantages
While Micro Sprinklers have a low unit cost, their limited watering range necessitates the installation of multiple units, resulting in a higher total cost.
Types of Micro Sprinklers
1. Classification Based on Watering Pattern
Micro Sprinklers disperse water in downward, upward, or lateral directions, adopting shapes such as spherical, full-circle, fan-shaped, or elliptical. The size of water droplets also varies, ranging from misty to fine rain-sized droplets. This diversity allows for selecting various watering rates based on water pressure and volume.
2. Classification Based on Nozzle Material
Micro Sprinklers are made of either durable metal or resin materials.
How to Choose Micro Sprinkler
For agricultural purposes, Micro Sprinklers are ideal for watering crops such as cucumbers, bell peppers, spinach, watercress, onions, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, tea, and more. Fruits like strawberries, pears, and grapes are also well-suited. Additionally, flowers like roses, gerberas, and chrysanthemums are suitable for Micro Sprinkler irrigation.
Selecting a Micro Sprinkler involves considering factors such as water pressure, gallons per minute (GPM) water discharge, and diameter size according to the crop to be cultivated. Checking performance charts will help confirm these specifications. Depending on factors like pump capacity, distance from water source, budget, etc., choose the equipment that aligns with your preferences.
How to Use Micro Sprinkler
Micro Sprinklers can be installed either in a suspended or ground-level manner. When installed above ground, riser pipes can be attached to position the Micro Sprinkler nozzles above the crops. Alternatively, when suspended, hanging adapters can be used.
Considering the low water output per sprinkler, creating a layout based on the area to be irrigated is recommended. To prevent clogging of the sprinkler, it is advisable to install a filter between the water source and the sprinkler. Before installation, ensure there is no damage or nozzle blockage. For automatic watering, setting a timer on the water source is possible. When mixing fertilizers with water, an injector can be installed between the Micro Sprinkler and the water source. If water pressure is sufficient, multiple Micro Sprinklers can operate simultaneously; otherwise, sequential watering will be necessary.
Despite the coverage area falling within the effective watering distance, there may be some variation in water distribution depending on the location. Careful attention to placement is required to achieve uniform water distribution. While Micro Sprinklers are commonly used indoors, outdoor applications are also feasible, although wind may influence their effectiveness. Therefore, determining an effective spacing based on approximately 60-80% of the sprinkler’s spray radius is essential. Slowly closing the valve after use is crucial to prevent damage due to water hammer effects.