Skip Navigation

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

UNL Water

Your natural resource for reliable agricultural irrigation information

drop nozzle center pivot 
UNL Extension Resources for Center Pivot Irrigation Systems


Application Uniformity of In-Canopy Sprinklers, G1712
PDF version (931 KB; 4 pages)
Use of in-canopy sprinklers can reduce application uniformity and increase runoff. Learn how to evaluate the efficiency of in-canopy sprinklers.

Converting Center Pivot Sprinkler Packages: System Considerations, G1124
PDF version (706 KB; 4 pages)
Describes system-oriented factors that should be considered when changing sprinkler packages on a center pivot irrigation system.

Operating Characteristics of Center Pivot Sprinklers, G1532
PDF version (813 KB; 4 pages)
The operating characteristics that can affect the suitability of a sprinkler package for a given field site.

Water Loss from Above-Canopy and In-Canopy Sprinklers, G1328
PDF version (621 MB; 2 pages)
In-canopy and above-canopy sprinklers are compared to determine which irrigation method minimizes water loss and reduces installation and operation costs.

Flow Control Devices for Center Pivot Irrigation Systems, G888
PDF version (741 KB; 3 pages)
Factors contributing to the need for spinkler flow rate regulators and how various regulators work.

Minimum Center Pivot Design Capacities in Nebraska, G1851
PDF version (670 KB; 4 pages)
Factors to consider in choosing an appropriate center pivot design are covered here.

Application of Liquid Animal Manures Using Center Pivot Irrigation Systems, EC778 (PDF - 1.60 MB; 13 pages)
Animal manure management practices are being scrutinized to ensure that the potential for environmental pollution is minimized. Manure from large and small production facilities must be distributed in a manner that limits the potential for surface runoff, deep percolation and drift to off-target areas.
Conservation Project

The Center Pivot Water Conservation Project is a partnership to help train pivot irrigators to become more efficient in their water application.

Highlights

Irrigation System Checkup

Performing regular maintenance of your irrigation equipment should include a pre-season checkup. The expectation should be that component wear happens and it sometimes results in less uniform water application, and increased energy use.

In addition, to reduce the risk that wear and tear will result in untimely breakdowns, worn components should be identified and replaced now so that the systems are ready for use during the growing season. See our checklist.