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Annex 4: Agriculture Sector Fact Sheet – Sprinkler Irrigation

Agriculture
Sector

Category Infrastructure installation

Adaptation needs More efficient use of water supply during periods of drought and for
normal supply of water.
Sprinkler Irrigation
Technology Name

Sprinkler irrigation technology can support farmers to adapt to climate

change by making more efficient use of their water supply. This is
How this particularly appropriate where there is (or is expected to be) limited or
technology irregular water supply for agricultural use. The sprinkler technology uses
contributes to less water than irrigation by gravity, and provides a more even
adaptation application of water to the cultivated plot.

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Sprinkler irrigation is a type of pressurized irrigation that consists of

applying water to the soil surface using mechanical and hydraulic devices
that simulate natural rainfall. These devices replenish the water consumed
by crops or provide water required for softening the soil to make it
workable for agricultural activities. The goal of irrigation is to supply each
plant with just the right amount of water it needs. Sprinkler irrigation is a
method by which water is distributed from overhead by high-pressure
sprinklers, sprays or guns mounted on risers or moving platforms. Today a
variety of sprinkler systems ranging from simple hand-move to large self-
propelled systems are used worldwide. Global use of sprinkler irrigation
is: the Americas (13.3 million hectares (Mha)), Europe (10.1 Mha), Asia
(6.8 Mha), Africa (1.9 Mha), and Oceania (0.9 Mha) (Kulkarni et al,
2006).
Background/Notes, A sprinkler irrigation system typically consists of:
Short description of i) A pump unit which takes water from the source and provides pressure
the technology option for delivery into the pipe system. The pump must be set to supply water at
sourced from
an adequate pressure so that the water is applied at a rate and volume
ClimateTechWiki,
Seminars, etc adequate to the crop and soil types
ii) Main pipes and secondary pipes which deliver water from the pump to
the laterals. In some cases these pipelines are permanently installed on the
soil surface or buried below ground. In other cases they are temporary,
and can be moved from field to field. The main pipe materials used
include asbestos cement, plastic or aluminum alloy
iii) The laterals deliver water from the pipes to the sprinklers. They can
be permanent but more often they are portable and made of aluminum
alloy or plastic so that they can be moved easily
iv) Sprinklers, the water-emitting devices which convert the water jet
into droplets. The distribution of sprinklers should be arranged so as to
wet the soil surface in the plot as evenly as possible.
A wide range of sprinkler systems is available for small and large-scale
application. Set systems operate with sprinklers in a fixed position. These
sprinklers can be moved to water different areas of the field, either by
hand or with machinery. Hand-move systems are more labor intensive
and may be more suited where labor is available and cheap. On the other
hand, mechanically operated systems require a greater capital investment
in equipment. Mobile systems minimize labor inputs by operating with
motorized laterals or sprinklers, which irrigate and move continuously at
the same time (Savva and Frenken, 2002).
Sprinkler irrigation efficiency is highly dependent on climatic conditions.
FAO (1982) proposed the figures of farm irrigation efficiencies provided
in Table 1 on the basis of climate. Table 1: Farm irrigation efficiencies for
Sprinkler Irrigation in different climates
Farm irrigation
Climate/Temperature
efficiency
Cool 0.80
Moderate 0.75
Hot 0.70
Desert 0.65
Source: adapted from FAO (1982)

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When planning to install a sprinkler irrigation system, information should

be obtained regarding the following key factors:
Implementation  The crop or crops to be cultivated and their water requirements
assumptions, throughout the growing season
How the  The shape and size of the field. This will determine the range of
technology will suitable technologies, investment and labor requirements
be implemented  Topography, in particular the location and elevation of the water
and diffused source relative to the field, land slopes and uniformity
across the  The source of irrigation water can be surface water, groundwater or
subsector? non-conventional water (such as desalinated water and treated
wastewater) (Savva and Frenken, 2002). Water must be available in
sufficient quantity from a locally accessible source. A clean supply
of water free of sediment is required to avoid blockage in sprinkler
nozzles and crop spoilage (FAO, 1988)
 Available labor force (According to the Statistical Institute of
Belize in September of 2013 there were 21,699 person employed in
the agriculture industry). Where skilled laborers are not available
on location, local farmers will require training to install, maintain
and repair the various components of the sprinkler system
 The soil profile. Sprinkler irrigation technology is best suited to
soils with high infiltration rates so that ponding and surface runoff
can be avoided.
 Energy requirements of different systems, including the
manufacturing, transportation and installation of the various
systems. The location of the water source will also affect the need
for energy for pumping (Savva and Frenken, 2002)
 Social aspects such as local preferences, capacity to maintain the
system, implications for labor requirements and how these may
affect different members of the community (Savva and Frenken,
2002)
 An understanding of existing health risks is crucial to avoid
schemes that may promote water borne diseases (Savva and
Frenken, 2002)
 An environmental impact assessment should be conducted to fully
understand potential impacts of drainage and diverting water
resources, amongst others (Savva and Frenken, 2002).
Maintenance of the system mainly relates to regular cleaning of the
component parts. Seals on pipes and sprinkler nozzles should be checked
to avoid water seepage. During periods when the equipment is not being
used, it is recommended to store component parts in a cool, dark place.
According to Savva and Frenken (2002), a whole range of institutional
conditions must be understood before sprinkler irrigation technology
selection can be made. These include land tenure issues, water rights, and
financial incentives by government and taxation. Large-scale irrigation
schemes will usually form part of national policy and could be harnessed to
support national employment initiatives. Where the sprinkler irrigation
type is not available nationally, foreign imports or government-supported
stimulation of national manufacture will be required alongside investment
in training for design, installation and maintenance. Coordination with
public or private authorities in charge of water management will be crucial
and could be facilitated through the establishment of a committee of
irrigation users. At a local level, social organization for the participatory 87
monitoring of water resources and quality could provide a key monitoring
tool. Whichever method is selected, developing regulations for the
distribution and allocation of water would provide an important mechanism
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The cost of installing a sprinkler system suitable for a family production

Costs unit ranges from US$ 600 to US$ 2500 per hectare (The cost of a sprinkler
system for an average size farm is about US$50,000), depending on the
type of materials used and the amount of labor contributed by rural
producers. Affordable Micro Irrigation Technologies (AMITs) are low cost
and low pressure systems with the same technical advantages as
conventional micro-irrigation system, however the technology is packaged
and marketed as kits suitable for small fields (25 m2 to 4000 m2). The
AMIT has the specific advantage of being affordable, and easy to
understand; they also have rapid pay back, divisibility and expandability.
Mechanically operated sprinkler systems which are used by large scale
farmers require a greater capital investment in equipment (These are
Country social 
custom -designed
Growth andtoSustainable
obtain maximum coverageStrategy
Development depending on shape
for Belize, of the
2015
development farm, obstacles, and contour of the land.
(Draft). One of the Actions proposed under this strategy is to increase
priorities drainage and irrigation infrastructure for farming and other use, and
. support this infrastructure with the necessary information tools.
This Action builds on the work currently being undertaken to prepare an
irrigation master plan and a corresponding investment master plan.

Application of sprinkler irrigation will comply with this strategy.

Country economic  National Food and Agricultural Policy 2002 -2030
development The National Food and Agricultural Policy was formulated to address the
priorities constraints and challenges affecting the agriculture and food sector. Such
– economic constraints/challenges facing the sector included lack of organized
benefits marketing, low yields in small-scale agriculture, lack of drainage
/irrigation, limited research/development, outdated farming
practices/equipment, etc.

This technology addresses irrigation which would also affected yields.

Country  Belize’s National Environment Action Plan – 2015-2020
environmental Conservation of natural resources, minimizing environmental pollution and
development depending on crop rotation, decreasing insect pests, diseases and weed
priorities problems. This strategy deals sets the stage for conservation of natural
--environmental resources, water, to address competing uses and projected shortage due to
benefits climate change.
Social benefits Can improve water efficiency and contribute substantially to improved
food production. This technology contributes to food security.
Other Sprinkler irrigation can be applied to individual small farmers (subsistence)
considerations and as well as large (commercial and industrial scale) farmers.
priorities(such as
market potential) Sprinkler irrigation applies water more efficiently than drip irrigation.
Capital costs (per US$ 600 to US$ 2500 per hectare The cost of a sprinkler system for an
facility) average size farm is about US$50,000. This is estimated for an average
sized farm (in Belize) of 20 ha (approximately 50 ac).

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Operational and Moderate. Most systems use pumps (motorized) to provide the
Maintenance costs pressure. More expensive systems use mechanical means to move
(per facility) the sprinklers to different positions, while some use man power to
relocate the sprinklers as needed. The general cost of operating a
sprinkler system is about US$5,000 and maintaining the sprinkler
irrigation system is also about US$ 5,000.
This depends on the design of the system, since delivery of water depends
Daily supply on the needs of the farmer; i.e. hundreds or thousands of gallons per day.
capacity per The technology is packaged and marketed as kits suitable for small fields
facility (25 m2 to 4000 m2).
Up scaling Moderate. Easy to apply. Sprinkler irrigation systems can easily expanded
potential to cover larger areas, since networks can be installed. The returns are
quick in terms of reduced crop losses.

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