Center Pivot Irrigation Efficiency: BMPs for Center Pivot Irrigation

Published on March 7, 2025

This session focuses on enhancing the efficiency of center pivot irrigation systems through the implementation of Best Management Practices, including key strategies for optimized water use and overall system performance.

Efficient Irrigation Management With Center Pivot Systems

Published on May 16, 2020
Efficient irrigation management provides benefits such as saving fresh water and energy, reducing nutrient leaching, increasing crop yield and grain quality, and maximizing return on investments.

Final Draft Field Evaluation of Center Pivot Sprinkler Irrigation Systems in Michigan

Published on March 1, 2011
This resource evaluates center pivot irrigation systems across Michigan for water distribution uniformity. It analyzes system design flow rates sprinkler types and weather impacts to improve efficiency minimize nutrient loss and guide maintenance.

When should you retrofit your center pivot irrigation system?

Published on May 30, 2025
An economic decision support tool.

Test Procedure for Determining the Uniformity of Water Distribution of Center Pivot and Lateral Move Irrigation Machines Equipped with Spray or Sprinkler Nozzles

Published on March 1, 2003
This resource outlines eight key practices to maximize irrigation system performance including uniformity checks, scheduling, fertigation, herbicide activation, crusting prevention, and reducing water and nitrogen loss.

Camera or drone video can help identify center pivot sprinkler repairs

Published on June 23, 2022
Before we enter July and August when the bulk of irrigation water is applied, use a camera or drone video of pivot water patterns and pipe leaks to greatly help you prioritize needed repairs or sprinkler replacement.

Upgrades to older pivot control systems and 360 Rain- A Quick Look at a Robotic Irrigation and Nutrient Application System

Published on February 27, 2024

One of the newest irrigation ideas is 360 Rain. Explore how it may fit into Midwest crop production with over half of our center pivots over 20 year in age. Explore how this can be used to breathe efficiency into old equipment.

Irrigation Costs | Irrigation

Annual irrigation cost can be divided into two categories: annual cost of ownership and the \nannual cost of operation - mainly the cost of energy and labor. The annual cost of ownership for a variety of systems is discussed in this page.

Irrigation System Evaluation Tool

Published on January 23, 2007
This tool helps evaluate center pivot irrigation system uniformity by calculating coefficients and deviations based on catch can data, guiding users to identify system issues and improve water application efficiency.

Irrigation: Turning Gallons into Inches

Published on August 4, 2025
This resource explains how to convert irrigation volumes in gallons to inches of water applied using flow rate, time and area. It includes formulas and examples for center-pivot and drip systems to help optimize scheduling and reduce water waste.

Irrigation season: Start with inspections and repairs

Published on April 19, 2023
Running through a checklist of inspections and repairs for each irrigation system greatly improves the chance of being able to start irrigating the day the crop needs it.

The Importance of checking irrigation system uniformity

Published on August 18, 2023
Evaluating and retrofitting your irrigation system can help to improve irrigation water use efficiency.