Spraying angle (°)
The irrigation angle provided by the sprinkler during operation, in other words, the size of the horizontal circular sector in which the device operates. For angle-adjustable sprinklers (see below), this item indicates the maximum value or the range of values from minimum to maximum (more often the former, since manufacturers rarely give a specific range).
Most modern models are able to cover
a full circle — they indicate an angle of 360 °. However, pivot irrigation is not always required. In such situations, there are two options: either use a model with adjustable angle, or choose a sprinkler with a narrower irrigation angle. The advantages of the first option are described below, and the second, usually, is cheaper, and the sprinkler itself is more reliable due to its simplicity.
Сoverage distance
The maximum range that the sprinkler can provide.
The choice for this parameter depends primarily on the size of the area to be covered. However, keep in mind that a high range usually requires fairly high pressure and can degrade watering efficiency close to the nozzles. Therefore, even in large areas, it is sometimes more convenient to use a system of several sprinklers with a short range, rather than a long-range device.
Minimum coverage area
The smallest area that a sprinkler can cover in normal operation, in other words, the area captured at a minimum range.
The minimum area is indicated only for models in which the size of the watered area can be adjusted (for example, by changing the angle). The smaller it is (at the same maximum), the wider the adjustment range. It also measures the suitability of a sprinkler for an area that is significantly smaller than the maximum irrigation area (see below). At the same time, when choosing, do not forget that models with the same area may differ in the shape of the space covered, the irrigation angle, etc.
Max. coverage area
The largest area that the sprinkler can cover during operation (or the standard coverage area for models that do not allow changing the size of the captured area).
The larger the area, the more watering area it may require. At the same time, the irrigation system must correspond not only to the area, but also to the shape of the site. Therefore, a model covering a large area is not always the best choice — sometimes (especially in areas of complex shape) it is easier to cover the required space with a few relatively modest sprinklers.
In some cases, knowing the irrigation area, you can determine other characteristics of the device: for example, for a sprinkler with an irrigation angle of 360 °, you can calculate the maximum range without much difficulty, even if it is not indicated in the characteristics.
Pressure
The pressure of the water in the connected hose/pipe that the sprinkler is designed to handle: lower pressure will not give the device the required performance, higher pressure may cause damage. And even if too high pressure did not lead to an "accident" immediately, it can happen at any time. Therefore, this parameter should never be ignored.
The best option is considered to be the situation when the pressure in the hose is slightly (by 0.4 — 0.5 bar) does not reach the claimed maximum — this allows you to fully realize all the capabilities of the sprinkler and at the same time gives a guarantee against breakage in case of pressure surges.
Water consumption
Water consumption during the operation of the sprinkler in the standard format. Usually, the range from minimum to maximum flow is indicated — this allows you to determine the "gluttony" of the device in all modes.
Consumption data will be useful primarily for calculating the time required for irrigation — they can be used to determine how long the sprinkler will give out the amount of water needed for certain plants (and when it needs to be turned off so as not to “flood” the watered flora). In addition, this information will be useful if water is paid by the metre or it needs to be drastically saved.
