Sprinkler Irrigation Spray Temperatures

Abstract

THE temperature of irrigation water may vary from zero, where the source is a melting snowbank, to near 90 C where the source is a hot spring or well such as those along the Snake River. Water heated by nuclear reactors may provide hot water for irrigation in the future. Water of these extreme temperatures is frequently used in sprinkler irrigation. It is important to crop production and management to know the temperature of the water as it comes in contact with the crop or soil because of the effect of temperature on germination of seed; development of fruit, vegetables, and other crops; frost protection, and crop-cooling operations.