Sprinklers and Irrigation

1. Spray Irrigation - Considered as the most commonly used and affordable type of irrigation, spray irrigation makes use of the traditional sprinkler heads. This type of irrigation is usually used for small, regularly shaped landscape areas such as those in most residences. Although low in maintenance and works well even in areas where water pressure is low, sprinklers' drawback is precision. On windy days, water spraying may end up in pavements and during sunny days, water tends to evaporate. Sprinklers are also placed underground and just sprout out manually or automatically when it's time to water the plants.
   
   
2. Rotary Sprinkler Irrigation - This type of irrigation system uses not the traditional sprinkler heads. The spray head of sprinklers rotates instead of just spraying water in a static position. They can cover a wider area for irrigation. The downside of this type of sprinklers though is that it needs more water pressure and regular maintenance should include checking of the sprinkler rotator itself as it often sticks and thus does not rotate.
   
   
3. Flood System Irrigation - This type of system is often used for fruit trees and ground cover type plant. Instead of just spraying the plants or trees, this system floods them and is thus penetrated in the soil. This irrigation system is ideal for adobe or clay soil and is often used for plants and trees that are prone to molds and diseases.
   
   
4. Micro Irrigation - This type of irrigation system distributes water directly to the plant's root system. Thus, water is conserved, as the water given is only sufficient for the plants or trees being irrigated. Example of these trees are shrubs or dwarf fruit trees. Also called as drip or trickle irrigation, micro irrigation is the best system used for water conservation as it irrigates plants and trees in drips or trickles. The downside of this type of irrigation system though is clogging and contamination.
   

Installation and Maintenance of Irrigation in California

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