Evaluation and comparison of the performance of wheel move and classic sprinkler irrigation systems in Semnan province

Due to the water resources crisis in Semnan province the use sprinkler irrigation systems in this province, has been considered. It is necessary to evaluate the performance of sprinkler irrigation systems in order to identify the problems and increase their efficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the performance of wheel move and classic systems with portable sprinkler irrigation systems in Semnan province in 2017. For this purpose, uniformity coefficient (CU), distribution uniformity (DU), application potential efficiency (PELQ), evaporation and wind losses and water volume were determined. The implementation of sprinkler irrigation systems had reduced water consumption by an average of 42%, but the area under cultivation had increased by an average of 22%. Potential application efficiency, uniformity and distribution coefficients for wheel move systems were 53.8%, 70.5% and 65.5% respectively and for classic systems with portable sprinkler were 48.8, 66.7 and 60.7% respectively. Replacing worn sprinklers and proper use of the wheel move system in windy conditions in farm No. 9 were factors in the better performance of this system. In classic systems with portable sprinkler, improper spacing of the sprinklers, low pressure of sprinklers and using the number of sprinklers more than the design limits on lateral had reduced the efficiency of this system, which can be improved by eliminating them. The results also showed that preventing water leakage in the systems, proper training of users and use of irrigation planning table will improve the performance of sprinkler irrigation systems.