water reel irrigation systems

Types of Water Reel Irrigation Systems

A water reel irrigation system is a type of mobile sprinkler irrigation system essential for an effective and efficient irrigation system. There are various types of reel irrigation systems, all designed to provide a simple, cost-effective method of irrigating crops and pasture.

• Travelling Gun: The most common type of irrigation reel system is the travelling gun. It has a sprinkler mounted on a wheeled cart pulled by a flexible hose. The flexible hose is wound around a reel and is usually connected to a water source via a drag chain, which allows the gun to move through the field as it irrigates. The irrigating speed is controlled by the amount of hose that has been unwound.
• Wheeled Sprinkler Unit: Also known as a wheeled sprinkler cart, this irrigation system has multiple stationary sprinklers mounted on a repositionable wheeled unit. The unit is usually rolled to a new location after the scheduled irrigation period has been completed. Wheeled sprinkler units are primarily used for smaller fields where major water applications are needed over longer intervals between irrigation.
• Center Pivot Irrigation System: This irrigation system consists of a series of support towers that move along a circular arc to the center of the field. Water is delivered through a pipeline suspension system supported by the towers. Water is sprayed on crops through rotating sprinklers mounted on vertical standpipes along the pipeline. The center pivot system is mostly used in large circular fields. It is ideal for valleys and areas with a good soil level.
• Reverse Pull irrigation System: Also known as a drag line, this type of irrigation system consists of a hose that is pulled through the field with the use of a reel mounted on a trailer. The trailer is moved to a new location after irrigating with the hose. The reverse pull irrigation system is commonly used for row crops such as cotton, corn, and soybeans.
• Drip Irrigation Reel System: A reel system drip irrigation allows for the installation of a temporary drip irrigation system for a new crop, particularly in areas with limited labor availability. It is useful for precise irrigating large quantities for nut, fruit, and vegetable crops, as well as for grass seeding and nurseries.

Specifications and maintenance of water reel irrigation systems

The basic parts and their functions show how standard water reel irrigation systems work, but knowing their typical specifications is also helpful for making decisions. This table lists some common specifications for these types of irrigation machines. Please note that different machines may have specifications that are not included in this list.

• Water Source: The tank's size varies based on how much water it needs to hold for irrigation. It could be anywhere from 100 m3 to 5,000 m3.
• Main Reel: The diameter of the main reel is typically 1.5 meters. It has a strong frame that can roll and hold heavy hoses.
• Irrigation Hose: The length of the irrigation hose depends on the reach of the water source. It could be anywhere from 150 meters to 1,000 meters, with a diameter of 75-150 mm or 3-6 inches.
• Cart: The cart has sturdy wheels and an axle. It can move 500-1,500 kg (1,100-3,300 lbs) of weight from one place to another.
• Gear Box: This part converts the machine's movement into power for winding the hose. It has a reduction ratio of 1:20 or so, which means it reduces the speed of the reel twenty times.
• Drive System: This system moves the main reel. It may have a 5-horsepower electric motor or a diesel engine that can operate on various fuel types, including solar energy. The driving distance is usually around 2 km.
• Irrigation Nozzles: These vary based on the type of irrigation required (sprinkler irrigation, micro-irrigation, etc.). The number of irrigation nozzles can range from 50 to 200.

Some irrigation reels may also have additional accessories, such as a rain gauge, an irrigation controller, a wheel drivable by hand, an irrigation monitor, a remote control function, etc. The extra parts can improve their efficiency and help users manage them better.

Proper maintenance is essential in keeping these irrigation systems running smoothly. Regular checks should be made to look at the hose, reels, nozzles, motors, switches and other parts for any signs of damage or wear. All movable components of the machine should be lubricated with applicable oils or greases so they can move easily and reduce friction. Clean the dirt, blockages and residue from cleaning the water source, spray nozzles and pipes to ensure proper fluent water flow and good quality. The water reel irrigation machine should be stored in any protection against harsh weather conditions. But make sure it’s well-ventilated since storage in damp areas can result in fungal growth or rust. Customers can find water reel irrigation systems with easy maintenance by looking for those with user-friendly designs and automatic functions.

Uses of Water Reel Irrigation System

The water reel irrigation system has many uses in farms and gardens that grow crops. This versatile machine can pull water from any source, like a well or tank. It can water plants quickly and efficiently, cutting the time needed for manual watering. It can also be used in large fields far away from water sources. With different spray guns, it can cater to small vegetable and fruit gardens and large grain and cotton fields. Because it can be set up anywhere and has adjustable pressure and flow, it works well for various soil types and crops. Farmers also like how it uses water efficiently and can be run by wind, solar, or generator power, making it ideal for places that don't always have electricity.

Here are the common uses and applications of the water reel irrigation machine:

• Efficient irrigation for row crops: The water reel irrigation machine waters row crops planted at regular distances efficiently. Farmers can set up the machine at different plant spacing. They can adjust the flow and pressure so that each crop receives the right amount of water.
• Catering to diverse crop root zones: In fields with crops having different root depths, the water reel irrigation system is helpful. Spray patterns can be modified to allow surface watering for shallow-rooted crops and deep watering for deep-rooted crops. This adaptability promotes uniform crop growth and maximizes yields.
• Irrigating pasture and turf: The water reel irrigation system efficiently waters both pasture and turf. In pasture areas, it supplies water for grass growth, which allows animals to have enough feed. For turf, the reels provide enough water to maintain turf health and quality for sports and golf fields. The flexible machine saves water while ensuring turf and grass receive the adequate irrigation they need.
• Irrigation of orchards, vineyards, and nurseries: Farmers can use the water reel irrigation system in orchards, vineyards, and nurseries. The machine promotes the growth of fruit trees, grape vines, and young plants. It also allows the sprouting of new cuttings and seeds. The ease of irrigation helps plant owners optimize land use and raise plant productivity.
• Seasonal and rotational irrigation: The water reel irrigation system is great for farms that water crops based on seasons and rotations. With its mobility, it can be moved easily between fields, reducing set-up time for irrigation in areas with different seasonal crops. This flexibility allows efficient use of irrigation resources and supports various crop production systems.
• Fertigation and chemical application: The water reel irrigation system can also be used for irrigation injection or spraying. During irrigation, farmers can inject fertilizers or other chemicals the crops need to grow well through the machine. This serves as an efficient way to keep plants healthy without needing separate equipment for fertilizer application. It also reduces the time required and increases the efficiency of chemical usage.

How to choose water reel irrigation systems

• Crop and Field Type

  Farmers' primary consideration when selecting a traveling reel irrigation system is the type of crop they grow. Different crops have varying watering requirements and root systems. For instance, delicate crops like lettuce may need overhead watering to avoid soil splash on leaves, while deep-rooted crops like corn may require full soil moisture penetration. Also, the field topography matters. If the fields have slopes, farmers should consider materials that can irrigate slopped fields.

• Water Source and Flow Rate

  The irrigation governance must consider the waters source and flow rate when choosing a reel irrigation system. Different irrigation systems work best with certain types of water sources. For instance, king reels are ideal for low-pressure water sources like ponds or lakes. Water flow rate influences the size of the reel gun that should be used. For example, large farms with high water flow rates may choose reel guns with bigger nozzles to cover more area in a shorter time.

• Budget and Cost

  Reel irrigation system can be expensive. Hence, farmers need to consider their budget and the total cost of each potential irrigation system. Apart from the initial cost of purchasing the irrigation system, the governance should also consider the operating cost. Some reel irrigation systems are more water-efficient, resulting in lower water bills. Some are more energy efficient, resulting in lower motor energy expenses.

• Weather and Wind Conditions

  If the governing body resides in an area prone to strong winds, it is advisable to choose a reel irrigation gun with a sturdy construction and secure anchoring system. This will ensure that the irrigation system remains in position during irrigation and quick adjustments during changing weather conditions.

FAQ

Q1: What is the lifespan of a water reel irrigation system?

A1: The lifespan can vary based on material, usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions. Generally, polyethylene reel frames can last 10-15 years, while aluminum frames may last 15-20 years, and galvanized steel frames 10-20 years.

Q2: Can water reel irrigation systems be automated?

A2: Yes, many water reels can be automated with timers, pressure switches, or remote controls to start, stop, and roll the reel back automatically during irrigation.

Q3: How does the speed of the irrigation reel affect the system?

A3: The speed influences the time taken to irrigate an area. It affects the duration of water application, soil penetration, and the development of plant foliar. Generally, fast-reeling rates may lead to superficial irrigation, whereas slower speeds allow deep soil moisture saturation.

Q4: What safety measures should be considered when using irrigation reels?

A4: It is vital to check the system periodically for wear or damage. Moreover, ensure that the system is not used under extreme weather conditions and shut the pressure off when it's not in use.