In the past, an irrigation designer was reliant on the surveyor’s data to provide an accurate digital terrain model. In many cases when the data was not available, the designer would proceed as if working on a flat surface or make vague assumptions about the terrain. Looking at the software tools available today, it is safe to conclude those days are over and irrigation designers can produce accurate designs at low cost.

By using Irri-Maker, the designer can now seamlessly interact with Google Earth to produce a very accurate DTM model when doing preliminary irrigation designs. Using a Google Earth produced DTM model has the following advantages.

1. There is no cost involved to create the topographical map.
2. The initial irrigation design can be done without waiting for survey data.
3. Alternatives can easily be analyzed.

Even though the final design should always be based on actual survey data, using Irri-Maker and surface models derived from Google Earth is a logical choice for initial designs and layouts of irrigation systems.

For more information about Irri-Maker, Senninger’s irrigation design software, contact bvdh@senninger.biz

1. Peak crop water requirements during the growing season
2. Effective crop rooting depth
3. Texture and infiltration rate of the soil
4. The available water-holding capacity of the soil
5. If the water source is a one or more wells, the well or wells’ pumping capacity
6.  The State Water Commission permitted pumping rate

This table shows the system capacity (gpm/acre) needed for the commonly irrigated crops and various soil textures. Determine the dominant soil texture in the field and what type of crops will be grown (the crop rotation), then determine the appropriate system capacity. For example, for a rotation of potatoes, corn and alfalfa on loamy sand, the table shows that potatoes require 7 gpm/acre, corn 5.9 gpm/acre and alfalfa 5.6 gpm/acre. Select a design system capacity for the crop requiring the largest amount, in this case  the potatoes at 7 gpm/acre. If you install a center pivot system covering 130 acres, you would need about 910 gpm for proper design. Note, what you need for proper design and what a well will produce may be different.

A sprinkler system must be designed to apply water uniformly without runoff or erosion. The application rate of the sprinkler system must be matched to the intake rate of the most restrictive soil in the field. If the application rate exceeds the soil intake rate, the water will run off the field or relocate within the field, resulting in over- and under watered areas. The intake rate of the soils in your field can be found in the county soil survey available at your local Natural Resources Conservation Service or Extension office.

Contact your local dealer to learn how Senninger products can meet your needs.

Excerpts from “Selecting a Sprinkler Irrigation System,” Tom Scherer, Extension Agricultural Engineer, North Dakota State University, January 2010, www.ag.ndsu.edu

We invite you to explore some of the new features in detail and  let us know what you think. You can use the Contact Us tab or email us at info@senninger.com. For forty-eight years, we remain committed to exceeding customer expectation.

A pressure regulator MUST be installed downstream from all shut-off valves.

A pressure regulating limit valve, with its different internal construction, CAN BE installed upstream of shut-off valves. With either device, use of a filter upstream is recommended (100 mesh or finer capable of flowing up to 18 gpm with no more than 5 psi internal friction loss).

The pressure regulating limit valve is intended for outdoors use only. ­­

Both Senninger pressure regulators and pressure regulating limit valves are 100% water-tested before they leave the factory. Senninger pressure regulators are warranted for two years on materials, workmanship and performance. Senninger pressure regulating limit valves are warranted for one year.

For more information about Senninger pressure regulators or pressure regulating limit valves, contact them at info@senninger.com or visit www.senninger.com

• Walk the pivot and observe the applicators to assure they are good working order. Look inside the nozzles to assure they are not worn or clogged.
• Secure a copy of the printout to assure the nozzles along each span correspond to what your printout indicates.
• Check to assure the end gun has the correct nozzle.

Then go ahead and start it up and:

• Observe filters and drains to assure they are not clogged.
• Observe system for leaks.
• Observe sprinklers to make sure they are working properly. Inadequate pressure to the sprinklers can cause problems,
• Check pressure regulation. Is the pressure above the regulator what it is intended to be or does the system pressure need to be adjusted? Is the pressure the same immediately before and immediately after the regulator?
• Observe system for overlaps. If things don’t look right, you may want to set up a uniformity test with catch cans
• Observe end gun to assure it is operating as it should. Adjust the part circle stops if needed.
• Check system speed at 100%.
• Check system flow.
• Check pivot pressure and end pressure.

If a 15 psi pressure regulator is malfunctioning located 1170 ft out on a ¼ mile 800 gpm package with 40 psi pivot pressure, that outlet would produce 31% more flow affecting the uniformity on almost 10 acres of crop.

If two sprinklers are plugged at 1170 ft from pivot point with a performance diameter of 56 ft, almost 10 acres are affected by these 2 plugged nozzles which will result in decreased yields.

Senninger stands behind their products with the best sprinkler warranty in the industry—two years on materials, workmanship and performance. The nozzles carry a five year warranty to retain orifice size.

For more information go to www.senninger.com

Joe began selling the Insect-Proof impact sprinkler in 1963. Since then the company has expanded its product line, market, and work force to reach 46 countries with hundreds of products for agriculture, nurseries, and solution mining.

The employees (all 223 of them) make Senninger’s success possible. So thank you to all of those who work so hard, and the loyal customers who have been there these 48 years.

For more information about Senninger Irrigation, contact them at info@senninger.com or visit www.senninger.com

The small groups re-assembled in the employee lunchroom to receive a few gifts as a “Thank You” for taking the time to tour the facility. Senninger was pleased to host this group and received kind comments regarding the visit.

The new features of the UP3 (Universal Pivot Products Platform ) design have been applied to the proven technologies of the i-Wob, Xi-Wob, LDN and Super Spray.

The easy-clean / easy-change nozzle provides the convenience of pinch and pull to remove the nozzle; place and click to re-install. There is no need to disassemble or remove the sprinkler. The UP3 nozzle sizes are easily identifiable with color-coding and embossing on the ears, including half sizes.

Each applicator has an integrate base and can be installed directly into a pressure regulator or onto a standard ¾” NPT female connection with no special threads or fittings required. This increases reliability and means fewer parts are required.

Senninger stands behind their products with the best sprinkler warranty in the industry—two years on materials, workmanship and performance. The nozzles carry a five year warranty to retain orifice size.

For more information about UP3 sprinklers, contact Senninger Irrigation at info@senninger.com or go to www.senninger.com or http://www.irrigationshow.org/Media/ExhibitorPressReleases.html