Micro-sprinklers are small sprinklers that irrigate crops using less water and low pressure.
How Micro Sprinklers Work
Micro sprinkler irrigation has a rain-like or spray effect on crops, saving 40 percent of water unlike normal overhead sprinkler irrigation.
Production rate also increases by 30 percent when crops are irrigated using micro-sprinklers.
They operate under low pressure thus it is less costly to operate and maintain.
Suitable Soil
It is good for all types of soil but best for sandy soil with high infiltration rate.
Climatic Conditions
Works well in high humidity areas.
Areas with undulating slopes or slightly hilly topography.
Not suitable for windy areas
Crops Suitable for Micro Sprinkler Irrigation in Kenya
- Orchards
- Vegetables
- Fruits such as strawberries, apples, passion, melon, and mangoes
- Trees and young Seedlings
- Delicate greenhouse crops
Not suitable for rice, tomatoes, and Capsicum.
Components of Micro Sprinkler Irrigation
- Mainline HDPE or PVC pipe
- Water Filter (Screen Filter)
- LLDPE pipes for Lateral connection
- Micro-sprinklers with nozzles ranging from 1.5 mm – 2 mm diameter size.
- Pressure Gauge
- Ball Valves
- End cap
- Sprinkler extension tube
- Riser road or Stakes
How to Select Micro Sprinklers
Flow Rate
Choosing a micro sprinkler / sprayer needs consideration of the desirable flow rate. A micro-sprinkler should match the flow rate or spray radius for specific crop water requirements. Flow rates can reach/ not exceed 250 liters per hour.
Nozzle
The size of the nozzle is the most important factor to consider when choosing a micro sprinkler. The size of the nozzle should correspond to the pressure rating and appropriate crops. Smaller crops require less water intake thus smaller nozzles are appropriate.
Spacing
Crop spacing is ideal to identify the suitable micro-sprinkler to use. Normal ideal spacing ranges from 5m to 7 m for common crops.
Advantages of Micro Sprinklers
- Made of UV resistant plastic polyethylene materials.
- They can last for a long time.
- Resistant to corrosion, rust, and reaction with water
- They distribute water uniformly to the entire crop field.
- Water-saving.
- Enhances higher yield in production due to sufficient water supply.
- Micro sprinklers are cheap and easier to use and maintain.
- They are labor saving and can be automated.
Maintenance
Micro-sprinklers are delicate irrigation equipment which need close monitoring and checking. You must frequently clean the filters to prevent clogging, which is a common problem.
Applications of Micro Sprinklers
- Irrigation in orchards, vegetables, and gardens
- Irrigation in greenhouses and shade houses
- Cooling of poultry and livestock
- For widely spaced plantations such as walnut, almond, avocado and mango
- For overhead irrigation of vegetables and nurseries
- Irrigation of landscapes and residential gardens
- Frost protection in orchards and vineyards
- Climate control (cooling and humidification) in greenhouses, poultry houses and livestock areas
- Pesticide spraying in greenhouses and orchards.
- Special industrial applications
Where to Purchase Butterfly Micro Sprinklers in Kenya
Aqua Hub Kenya
Call 0790719020
