Is it Time to Replace Your Sprinklers?

A couple of malfunctioning sprinkler nozzles may not seem like a big deal, but according to Aaron Sauser, a sprinkler and VRI specialist at Lindsay Corporation, it could be.

“If two sprinklers are plugged at 1,170 feel from the pivot point, with a performance diameter of 56 feet, almost 10 acres will be affected,” he said. “That will definitely result in decreased yields.”

Sauser recommends inspecting sprinklers while completing preseason maintenance and again before the crop canopy covers them up.

“Once they get below the canopy, they’re out of sight and out of mind,” he said. “We all have short memories, and growers can sometimes forget how bad it can get during dry years. Because of that, sprinklers don’t always get the attention they should. And, unfortunately, when you see problems in the field, it’s too late.”

When checking sprinklers, Sauser recommends repairing or replacing: 

• Missing, clogged and worn nozzles
• Stuck sprinklers
• Out of sequence nozzle packages

“Growers should also review yield maps to check for spots or streaks,” he said. “If you can fix problems before they start, you’ll maximize water application efficiency.”

For more information about sprinkler maintenance and replacement packages, talk to your local Zimmatic dealer or visit www.zimmatic.com.

To learn about a unique spinkler package, check out one of our recent blog posts: 

• New Spinkler Package Helps Nebraska Overcome Water Challenges