Analysis of Sprinkler Irrigation Losses

An analysis of spray and evapotranspiration losses from day and night sprinkler irrigation is presented. Determination of the combined losses of spray evaporation and drift was based on the average depth of the water applied and the average depth of the water caught in catch cans. Two lysimeters were used to determine and compare the evapotranspiration of irrigated and nonirrigated areas prior to, during, and after irrigation. Eleven day tests and six night tests were conducted. These limited tests suggest that the total losses are probably the same for day and night sprinkling, although the individual components which make up this total loss are not necessarily equal.