"Sprinkler Irrigation Systems," a book with detailed information on irrigation technology, is now available through the University of Minnesota. It was developed by MidWest Plan Service, a cooperative organization representing 12 Midwest land grant universities.
The book is designed for agricultural and horticultural crop producers and consultants, engineers, equipment dealers, government agency employees, educators, students and others interested in irrigation technology. It can serve as a planning tool, reference guide and manual on the design, development and management of sprinkler irrigation systems.
The book includes information to help determine water needs and to establish a minimum recommended system capacity. There is also a discussion on water supply evaluation and fitting types of sprinklers to specific needs.
One of the book's chapters is devoted to understanding and using water sources properly. It has sections on planning, drilling, developing, pumping and maintaining irrigation wells. Separate chapters cover sprinkler performance characteristics, sprinkler selection and frost control. There is a chapter on selecting pumps, piping and power units. Chemigation, the application of fertilizers and pesticides through irrigation systems, is also covered.
The book's final chapter provides examples of step-by-step planning and design for different sprinkler irrigation systems. It includes designs for a center-pivot system with a well, a traveler system for irrigated pasture and a system for a small acreage producing horticultural crops.
The book contains over 110 photographs and illustrations and approximately 70 tables that help organize technical data.
"Sprinkler Irrigation Systems" is designated as MWPS-30. It costs $20 per single copy plus sales tax and shipping and handling. For ordering information, call (612) 625-9733, e-mail mwps@gaia.bae.umn.edu or go to www.bae.umn.edu/extens/mwps on the Internet.
For more information on the book's content, contact Jerry Wright at the U of M West Central Research and Outreach Center at (320) 589-1711 or jwright@umn.edu , or go to www.bae.umn.edu/extens/mwps/swa.html on the Internet.
