Full instantaneous coverage helps accelerate the growth of young fruit and nut trees, bringing them into production faster.
To achieve this goal, many growers in the Western hemisphere are using Senninger Wobbler sprinklers to distribute water over a large area of coverage.
This wets the entire root zone in a uniform blanket of droplets. And these sprinklers can do more than just irrigate. Wobbler sprinklers can be adapted and used for frost protection, salt leaching, and germination. Simple modifications like adjusting riser height and spacing are all that’s needed.
Why Full Coverage Irrigation?
Uneven crops are usually the result of a lack of irrigation uniformity. Other irrigation systems concentrate water over a small area, which means root development may be restricted by the limited area wetted.
While these systems are adequate during the first three years of tree growth, older trees have larger and more extensive root systems that benefit from full coverage applications. Roots normally extend far beyond the branch tips, so the application pattern of a sprinkler can easily deliver water to the entire root zone. This helps mature trees improve their yield, fruit sizing, and tree vigor.
Sprinklers have also long complemented and/or replaced inefficient or high-cost drip systems. Many growers who have installed drip systems need to replace lines frequently and are deciding to install overhead sprinklers as a more durable and economical alternative.
That is because sprinklers need fewer laterals to operate and can even be installed on existing drip systems after some design adaptations. They’re also more visible, making it easier to assess performance. And with a larger nozzle orifice size, they are less prone to clogging.
Benefits of Senninger Wobblers
Senninger Wobbler sprinklers use their unique design to distribute water over a large area, at a low application rate. When the water is spread over a large area the soil can slowly absorb the rain-like distribution at a comfortable rate. This means the chance of ponding and developing pockets of severe salt build-up is reduced while soil infiltration rates are preserved.
- Irrigate with low flows 0.42 to 6.97 gpm (95 to 1583 l/hr)
- Low operating pressures between 10 to 25 psi (0.69 to 1.72 bar)
- Droplets that resist wind-drift and evaporative loss
- Instantaneous application is ideal for frost protection
- Uniform application ensures salt does not accumulate in pockets
- Fewer laterals, less clogging, and lower maintenance requirements
To see how growers around the world are using Wobbler technology™ in orchards, check out our guide to Wobbler Technology for Orchards. You’ll be able to review some real-world examples and learn more about Wobbler technology for frost protection and salt leaching.
