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ARS Home » Plains Area » Sidney, Montana » Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory » Agricultural Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #198214
Title: Chapter 29: Irrigation for Microclimate Control

Author
item Evans, Robert
item VAN DER GULIK, TED - BC MINISTRY OF AGRIC

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/17/2005
Publication Date: 10/21/2011
Citation: Evans, R.G., Van Der Gulik, T.W. 2011. Chapter 29: Irrigation for Microclimate Control. In: L. Stetson, editor. Irrigation. 6th Edition. Falls Church, VA: The Irrigation Association. p. 1015-1036.

Interpretive Summary: Frost protection and overcrop cooling systems are two ways that irrigation can be used to modify the aerial environment of a crop to help protect them from cold or excessively warm temperatures that could cause damage. These systems rely on the physical-chemical properties of water to affect the environment. These uses may require a separate water application systems in addition to irrigation. Furthermore, these functions generally require stationary sprinklers. Drip, center pivot and travelling gun systems are not suitable for frost protection or cooling. Solid set sprinkler systems on the other hand are commonly used for over-canopy frost protection and crop cooling because they can apply water almost continually and uniformly at medium to high rates. Microsprinklers and traditional sprinkler systems can be used for under-canopy or “targeted” for overcrop frost protection as long as application rates and coverage are appropriate.

Technical Abstract: Frost protection and overcrop cooling systems are two ways that irrigation can be used to modify the aerial environment of a crop to help protect them from cold or excessively warm temperatures that could cause damage. These systems rely on the physical-chemical properties of water to affect the environment. These uses may require a separate water application systems in addition to irrigation. Furthermore, these functions generally require stationary sprinklers. Drip, center pivot and travelling gun systems are not suitable for frost protection or cooling. Solid set sprinkler systems on the other hand are commonly used for over-canopy frost protection and crop cooling because they can apply water almost continually and uniformly at medium to high rates. Microsprinklers and traditional sprinkler systems can be used for under-canopy or “targeted” for overcrop frost protection as long as application rates and coverage are appropriate.