Proper irrigation of sports fields is an important aspect of healthy and playable lawns. Modern irrigation systems ensure a consistent water supply to the lawn and help prevent drying out and disease.
There are two basic types of irrigation systems for sports fields: stationary and mobile systems. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, which are explained here to help you choose the optimal irrigation system for your sports field.
Stationary irrigation systems
Stationary or permanently installed irrigation systems are characterized by the fact that the irrigation infrastructure is permanently installed on the sports field. These include lawn sprinkler systems and subsurface or underground irrigation.
Lawn sprinkler systems
Lawn sprinkler systems are among the most common irrigation systems for sports turf. They consist of underground pipes connected to sprinkler heads that protrude from the ground. There are different types of sprinklers:
- Circular or area sprinklers : Large-area and even irrigation; many small nozzles
- Sector sprinkler : Irrigation of sector-shaped areas; adjustable angle
- Pulse sprinkler : Powerful water pulse; long range
- Gear sprinkler : Long reach; programmable watering patterns
Using valves and a timer, irrigation can be fully automated. The advantages of lawn sprinkler systems include the even and reliable watering of larger lawns and the time savings achieved through automation. Disadvantages include the high costs of purchase and installation, as well as the increased maintenance effort.
Subsurface/underground irrigation
With subsurface irrigation, the water is supplied below the turf. This ensures highly efficient and economical irrigation.
Drip irrigation
Drip irrigation uses pipes laid close to the ground with integrated drip inserts. The water drips slowly directly to the roots and from there seeps into the soil. This method saves water and simultaneously fertilizes the lawn.
Pore tube systems
Here, porous tubes are laid in the soil, allowing water to seep through and moisten the soil. Porous tube systems are also very water-efficient and reduce disease because the leaves stay dry.
Disadvantages of subsurface irrigation include the high costs of purchase and installation as well as difficult repair work.
Mobile irrigation systems
Mobile irrigation systems are characterized by their flexibility and relocation. The most important mobile systems are sprinkler machines and hose and pipe systems.
Driving irrigation machines
Mobile sprinklers, also called mobile sprinklers or roller sprinklers, are wheeled irrigation systems that move over the lawn and water it. They are available in the following types:
- Trailed sprinklers : Are pulled across the lawn with a tractor
- Self-propelled sprinklers : Drive independently and automatically
- Circular sprinkler : Rotating irrigation mast that irrigates a circle
The advantage of these systems is the flexibly adjustable irrigation area at comparatively low cost. The disadvantage is the high labor requirement for operation.
Hose and piping systems
Hose and pipe systems are among the simplest and most cost-effective irrigation methods. They involve temporarily laying hoses or aluminum or plastic pipes on the lawn and attaching sprinkler heads.
The irrigation heads can be flexibly connected via quick-connect couplings. The advantages are ease of use and low cost. Disadvantages are rather uneven watering and high labor requirements.
Find the optimal irrigation system
Both stationary and mobile irrigation systems have their place in sports fields. When selecting the optimal system, factors such as acquisition and operating costs, required maintenance, and the size and use of the field must be considered.
Our experts at Wassermann360 provide comprehensive advice on the planning, installation, and maintenance of irrigation systems for your sports field. Benefit from our many years of experience with all common systems. Contact us!