Sprinkler selection, layout and operation (November 2022)

A well-designed overhead sprinkler system delivers water evenly across the growing area at an application rate that is compatible with the absorption rate of the growing media. This Nursery Papers explains industry irrigation best management practice parameters including coefficient of uniformity, scheduling coefficient and mean application rate, and provides a table listing approximate growing media blends absorption rates. It also discusses topics such as sprinkler layout and square grid design, pressure and flow, the effects of wind on sprinklers, and the comparison between upright and inverted systems.