Irrigation systems are the life force behind farms and plant nurseries, and the sprinkler heads on certain irrigation systems determine the type of watering you provide your plants. Research on agricultural irrigation systems advances the types of sprinkler heads invented by agricultural engineers. But two types of sprinkler heads, spray heads and rotary heads, dominate in agricultural irrigation.

Soil conditions, bed size, slope degree and coverage area are important factors when choosing a sprinkler head. Some sprinkler heads only cover an area up to 10 feet, while others can disperse water up to 30 feet. Pop-up sprinklers are ideal for small nurseries or golf courses because they don't interfere with mowing or other normal uses of the grounds, when the sprinklers aren't in use. When purchasing sprinkler heads consider the following:

1. Pivot irrigation systems depend on water pressure for proper irrigation. Low to medium pressure is good for flat fields, while high pressure is good for sloping fields and fine-textured soils.

2. There are two basic types of sprinkler heads: a spray head and a rotary head. Spray heads are great for plant beds, while rotary heads work better in larger spaces.

3. A sprinkler spike is an integral part of agricultural irrigation. Make sure any sprinkler heads you buy work well with sprinkler spikes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find spray sprinkler heads online

A spray sprinkler is a stationary sprinkler that emits a spray. These sprinklers work well in small flower beds, on lawns and in areas where a rotary sprinkler head would interfere with your business. An advantage of spray sprinkler heads over rotary sprinkler heads is that spray sprinklers can retract into the ground. This makes them ideal for places that require frequent mowing or have heavy foot traffic.

I recommend: Find the best spray head sprinkler at Hunter Industries. Shop for spray sprinkler heads at Kelley's Lawn & Irrigation Supply.

Get the right type of rotor sprinkler head for your business

Rotary sprinkler heads cover larger spaces and can disperse water 25 to 30 feet. The two types of rotary sprinkler heads are impact rotors and gear rotors. Impact rotors provide good coverage and turn when impacted by the stream of water. Gear rotors use a water wheel or fan for rotation. Impact rotors require more maintenance because the parts can rust, bend or break. In addition, debris can gather in and around impact rotor sprinkler heads, making the area dirty or clogged. Gear rotors require less maintenance, but they are more expensive.

I recommend: Browse a selection of rotary sprinkler heads based on application for farming and nursery needs at Nelson Irrigation Corporation. Shop for reputable rotary sprinkler heads for golf courses, parks and nurseries at Rain Bird.

Buy sprinkler head accessories for efficient irrigation

While sprinkler heads are the main source of providing water coverage, you need the spikes, tubing and bases for successful irrigation. Most irrigation supply companies sell the accessories, but you can always snag a good deal by shopping around online too.

I recommend: Find sprinkler heads, risers and stands at FarmTek. Get discounted prices on sprinkler heads and systems at Sprinkler Warehouse.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before ordering any sprinkler heads from an online company, always ask about the warranty. Some companies honor only the manufacturer's warranty, while others will offer their own warranty on top of the manufacturer's warranty.