Rain on demand. A sprinkler sprays water over crops, mimicking natural rainfall. Systems range from small portable units moved by hand to permanent installations covering hundreds of hectares.

Uniformity is the goal. Water should reach every plant in similar amounts, without runoff or dry patches. Nozzle design, spacing, and pressure all affect how evenly water lands.

Common sprinkler types

• Impact sprinklers with a rotating arm
• Rotary sprinklers with gear-driven heads
• Micro-sprinklers for orchards and nurseries
• Traveling guns mounted on carts

Sprinklers suit many crops but waste water through evaporation and wind drift. Drip irrigation delivers water more precisely in arid regions. Farmers choose based on crop, soil, water cost, and labour.