CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATION

1 Supervisory Agricultural Engineer and Research Leader, Agricultural Systems Research Unit, NorthernPlains Agricultural Research Laboratory, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, 1500 North Central Ave., Sidney,MT 59270. E-mail: CENTER PIVOT IRRIGATIONR obert G. Evans1 INTRODUCTIONThe first Self-Propelled Sprinkling Irrigating Apparatus was invented in 1948 and patented in 1952 by FrankZybach in eastern Colorado. The early systems were the foundation of the development of modern self-propelledcenter PIVOT and linear move IRRIGATION systems. These very adaptable water application methods have experiencedtremendous growth around the world in recent years due to: 1) their potential for highly efficient and uniform waterapplications; 2) their high degree of automation requiring less labor than most other IRRIGATION methods; 3) large arealcoverage; and 4) their ability to economically apply water and water soluble nutrients over a wide range of soil, cropand topographic conditions.

irrigation in the USA has increased by more than 50% from 1986 t o 1996. A standard 125 ac (~50 ha) center pivot system will cost US$35,000 to US$45,000 excluding land and water supply development cos ts. Water development costs depend on the source of water and power (i.e., electric, diesel or natural gas).

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  Water, Irrigation

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