CenterPivot

Centerpivot, or center-pivot irrigation, is a method of applying irrigation water with a long, wheeled pipe that rotates around a fixed central point, irrigating a circular area. Water is pumped from a source and distributed along the pipe through sprinklers or spray nozzles. The pipe is supported on a truss framework with wheel bogies that travel on a circular track as the mechanism advances, completing a full circle around the pivot.

System design and components: The core components include the central pivot point, a drive unit, a control panel, and a succession of spans forming the irrigated arm. Sprinklers along the arm can be fixed or adjustable, and end guns may be used to extend reach. Modern installations often incorporate variable-rate irrigation, remote monitoring, and automation to adjust water application based on crop, soil, and weather data.

Operation and efficiency: Water is supplied under pressure from a pump, often with filtration to prevent nozzle clogging. Uniform distribution is a primary design goal, with sprinkler type, spacing, and pipe length shaping the application pattern. Variable-rate capabilities allow site-specific adjustments. The system reduces labor compared with flood irrigation and is suitable for large, flat fields; however, only the circular area around the pivot is irrigated unless multiple pivots are used.

Advantages and limitations: Benefits include improved water-use efficiency, reduced labor, and precise application. Limitations include high initial investment, ongoing energy and maintenance needs, and reduced suitability for very small, irregular, or steeply sloped fields. Center-pivot systems are widely used in arid and semi-arid regions and are commonly deployed in multi-pivot configurations to cover larger areas.