To harvest a healthy, sustainable crop, farming operations cannot rely on natural rainwater as the main irrigation source. Modern irrigation systems require high pressured water flows to evenly distribute water over expansive grow areas. Sprinkler and drip systems are the most common irrigation practices used today. Sprinkler systems utilize a series of pipes and heads strategically placed for even coverage. Sprinkler heads can also be attached to traveling arches that roll down each row of plants during the course of a day. Drip systems utilize a network of semi-permeable underground piping to deliver water directly to plant roots. While often associated with the agriculture and farming industry, irrigation systems can also be found in municipal applications such as parks, gardens, and sports fields.
