Understanding the operational characteristics of irrigation sprinklers is necessary before
irrigation professionals can make sound recommendations regarding the use of sprinkler
technologies for field conditions. Results of laboratory studies regarding rotating plate sprinklers
are reported. Uniformity of radial water application from individual sprinklers has a major
influence on uniformity of water application under a continuous-move irrigation machine.
Nozzle pressure can have a significant effect on radial water application patterns, especially
when less than recommended pressures are used. Water application patterns are not as sensitive
to changes in nozzle diameters as to nozzle pressures. Uniformity of water application can also
be very sensitive to sprinkler spacing. The greater the variation in radial water application
intensities for individual sprinklers, the more critical proper sprinkler spacing become
