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Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation Uniformity
Uniformity of water application with sprinkler irrigation systems is often reported as Distribution Uniformity (DU). It is an indicator of how equal (or unequal) the application rates are in the nursery. Distribution Uniformity is based on the lowest quarter of the catch cans in the irrigated area. The calculation of DU requires that the catch can test be performed in the irrigation zone.
- Catch cans (in a multiple of 4) are placed in a square grid pattern within the irrigated area.
- The irrigation system is run.
- The volume or depth of water in the cans is measured.
- The average of volume (or depth) measurements for the lowest one fourth of the measurements is divided by the average volume (or depth) measurement for all cans.
- Depth measurements can only be used for straight-sided cups.
- A low DU (below 60%) indicates that application rates are very different.
- A high DU (80% or higher) indicates that application rates over the area are similar in value and the water is distributed evenly to all the plants.
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"Uniformity
of Sprinkler and Microirrigation Systems for Nurseries." Bulletin 96-10.
(February 1997)
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