In this blog post, I will explore the pros and cons of sprinkler irrigation vs. drip irrigation and discuss why sprinkler irrigation may have certain advantages over drip irrigation systems for some large-area applications like turfgrass lawns.
I’ll also discuss key benefits of sprinkler irrigation related to coverage area, installation costs, suitability for flat land, reduced risk of clogging issues, and easier leak detection.
What is Sprinkler Irrigation System?
Sprinkler irrigation systems utilize an above-ground network of pressurized pipes that connect to rotating sprinkler heads positioned over the land area.
When turned on, water is pumped through the system and sprayed out in a specific pattern by the sprinkler nozzle. There are a few common types of sprinklers used:
Impact sprinklers spray water droplets that then fall to the ground like rain. Spray sprinklers produce a mist of small water drops.
Rotary sprinklers are the most common and feature rotating heads that spin and throw water in an arc or full circle. Properly positioned sprinklers can provide even coverage of large turfgrass areas quickly and efficiently.
Benefits of Sprinkler Irrigation Over-Drip System
Covers Large Areas Quickly
One key benefit of sprinkler systems is their ability to water very large continuous land areas, such as sports fields or lawns, much faster than a drip system could.
Whereas a drip system would require extensive burying of small-diameter tubing with emitters spaced every few feet, sprinklers can water circular areas of 20โ30 feet in radius from an elevated position.
This allows quick and uniform moisture in thousands of square feet with just a few sprinkler heads.
For example, the average home lawn of 7,000โ10,000 square feet could easily be fully irrigated within an hour using only 4-6 heads spaced appropriately. This makes sprinklers very suitable for the large contiguous areas common in turfgrass and agriculture.
Lower Installation Costs for Large Spaces
The upfront material and labor costs of installing an irrigation system can be an important consideration. Sprinkler systems need fewer parts per square foot to cover an area. So, they usually cost less to install for watering large, open spaces like lawns, sports fields, and pastures.
Drip systems need emission devices. These include driplines, emitters, or stakes. They need to be spaced every 1-2 feet to water the whole planting bed. This requires more materials, like tubing, fittings, and emitters. Each of them needs to be buried. This is unlike an above-ground sprinkler network.
For example, a basic sprinkler system might use around 80โ100 feet of pipe and 4-6 heads for a 10,000-square-foot lawn. Covering the same area with drip would need over 1,000 feet of tubing. It would also need hundreds of emitters to be staked into the soil. This would drive up costs for big jobs.
The reduced installation expenses make sprinklers more practical when irrigating expanses measuring an acre or more.
Suited for Flat or Gently Sloped Lawns
One type of landscape sprinkler system that is especially well-suited for flat and shallow-sloped areas like turfgrass lawns. Their above-ground parts have high spray patterns. They allow for even water distribution across level ground.
Drip systems require precisely snaked tubing laid along contour lines to prevent runoff on sloped beds. Placing the tubing is complex. It adds much to the cost of drip installation. This is true on anything but gentle hillsides.
Sprinklers work well for flat and shallow yards. These yards are common in residential and commercial developments. Sprinklers provide reliable irrigation. They avoid the challenges of working with drip on slopes.
Less Clogging Risk
While both sprinklers and drip emitters are susceptible to debris clogging issues over time, sprinklers generally present less risk in this regard.
Sprinkler systems use inlet filters. They are on the main supply line and lateral pipes. They trap large particles that could block small emission holes.
Drip systems rely on very fine mesh filters. They also need pressure regulators and inline emitters with 0.5โ1.5 mm holes. This puts drips at higher risk of clogging. The clogs come from small rocks, roots, or sediment in the distribution system.
Clogs are hard to detect without flushing emitters. They can stunt plant growth if they are not fixed.
Sprinkler spray nozzles rotate above-ground at high pressure. This makes them less likely to get blocked by objects. Also, the spraying action may help clean dripped-on emitters. It is better than the steady ultra-low pressure drip feeding.
Proper flushing and filter cleaning can minimize clogs with either system, but sprinklers present a reduced long-term risk profile due to their above-ground operation.
Easier To Find And Repair Leaks
Another maintenance advantage of sprinkler systems relates to leak detection and repairs. Pressurized sprinkler pipes are buried under lawns. They make breaks or leaks much easier to spot. Water pools or sprays at the surface.
Meanwhile, the thin-walled drip tubing delivers water drop-by-drop to the soil. It goes almost unnoticeable when damaged underground.
Small kinks or holes in the drip line may disrupt flow. But they won’t cause water signs to appear above to show where to repair. This can lead to plant stress if a leak isn’t found and addressed promptly.
Sprinkler lines have a large diameter and high pressure. This makes any bad connections or breaks easy to see. This means wet spots in sprinkler-irrigated turf are fixed faster than in more expensive drip systems. Repairs for wet spots in drip systems can be costly. They may require digging up much of the system.
Proper installation practices and maintenance inspection schedules help both, but visible leaks remain a practical advantage of sprinklers.
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When Drip Irrigation May Be Best
Sprinklers have clear benefits for watering open turf. But drip systems have advantages that make them better for certain landscapes.
Precise Water Application: Drip allows for targeted water delivery right at plant roots with minimal wasted evaporation. This precision conserves water supplies in arid zones.
Adaptable to Sloped Land: With careful planning and installation, drip tubing can be shaped to slope angles. It can provide reliable irrigation on hills that are too steep for sprinklers.
Lower Maintenance for Shrubs and Flowers: Shrubs, flowers, and trees can get separate, low-volume water through drip. This does not need the constant head adjustment of part-circle sprinklers.
Reduced Disease Pressure: Drip keeps foliage dry. This reduces leaf wetness periods that let fungi thrive. Wetness is more common with overhead sprinklers.
Compatibility with Xeriscaping: Water conservation designs using native drought-tolerant plants are well-matched to drip’s precise, low-volume water delivery methods vs. sprinklers.
Drip irrigation may provide a better solution than sprinklers when water conservation through precise application is a high priority, such as in hot, arid climates with water usage limitations.
Their adaptability to complex landscapes with varied plant types on slopes also gives them an advantage over sprinklers in certain non-turf applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should sprinklers or drip systems run?
The run frequency depends on climate, soil type, and plant water needs. As a general rule,
- Sprinklers for lawns may run 15โ30 minutes, 2-3 times per week
- Drip for trees and shrubs runs 20โ40 minutes, 1-2 times per week. Adjust based on the weather and signs like wilting.
Can I convert an existing sprinkler system to drip?
You can retrofit sprinkler zones to drip. But it takes much labor to install new tubing and emitters. It’s often easier to start fresh with a dedicated drip system layout if you convert fully. Hybrid systems using components of both may be a less disruptive option.
How long do sprinkler and drip systems typically last?
Sprinkler systems last 15โ25 years on average with proper winterization and maintenance. Drip components like tubing can last even longer (20โ30+ years) if not damaged. Emitters and filters should be replaced every 5โ10 years.
Which system is more water-efficient?
Drip irrigation is usually more efficient. Every drop is aimed at roots, not evaporating overhead. Studies show drip irrigation uses 20โ30% less water for the same plantings. However, well-designed sprinkler systems can still conserve water with wise scheduling.
How difficult are sprinkler and drip systems to winterize?
Both need their above- and below-ground parts drained before freezing. This prevents damage. Sprinklers are quicker to blow out compressed air, while drip tubes need to be individually drained more carefully to not split. Proper procedures make winterizing either system straightforward.
Conclusion
Both irrigation methods have their place. But the speed and lower cost of installing sprinklers make them a practical choice for large lawns and fields.
Their above-ground design has benefits. These include easier leak detection and less clogging in the long term.
Drip has advantages. It’s better for precise watering of mixed plantings and complex slopes. It also maximizes conservation where water is scarce. Sprinklers can’t match these benefits.
Considering the scope and priorities of the application helps. It helps in determining which system gives the most benefits.