Center-pivot irrigation (sometimes called central pivot irrigation), also called water-wheel and circle irrigation, is a method of crop irrigation in which equipment rotates around a pivot and crops are watered with sprinklers.[1][2] A circular area centered on the pivot is irrigated, often creating a circular pattern in crops when viewed from above (sometimes referred to as crop circles, not to be confused with those formed by circular flattening of a section of a crop in a field).[3] Most center pivots were initially water-powered, however today most are propelled by electric motors.
Center-pivot irrigation systems are beneficial due to their ability to efficiently use water and optimize a farm's yield. The systems are highly effective on large land fields.
- ^ Mader, Shelli (May 25, 2010). "Center pivot irrigation revolutionizes agriculture". The Fence Post Magazine. Archived from the original on September 8, 2016. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
- ^ ddr.nal.usda.gov Archived 2011-10-09 at the Wayback Machine Center pivot irrigation system modification to provide variable water application depths.
- ^ Gray, Ellen (May 3, 2012). "Texas crop circles from space". NASA. Retrieved June 6, 2012.