A Simple Low-Cost Water Sprinkling Nozzle for Field Crop Irrigation

For low-cost pressurized irrigation system for field crops, researchers and manufacturers are continuously in the quest to develop a simple, low-cost nozzle which requires low operating pressure, and can be manufactured using relatively unsophisticated manufacturing facilities and locally available resources. In view of these, here we present a concept and methodology for developing a simple, low-cost irrigation nozzle using PVC pipe. To corroborate the concept, a nozzle was developed and tested for its performance. Performance indicators showed that the nozzle can be operated satisfactorily over the pressure range 0.4-0.6 kg/cm² with application rate of 17-15 mm/h. Due to high application rate, field crops can be irrigated more efficiently compared to nozzles requiring very high operating pressures, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 kg/cm². Low pressure requirement facilitates the use of low rating pipe network, low capacity pump and other accessories and therefore the overall system cost can be reduced substantially.