IA Glossary of Terms — page 18
• check irrigation: Modification of a border strip with small earth ridges or checks constructed at intervals to
retain water as the water flows down the strip. (ASAE, 1998)
• check basin irrigation: Water is applied rapidly to relatively level plots surrounded by levees. The basin is a small
check. (Soil, 2013)
• corrugation irrigation: Method of surface irrigation similar to furrow irrigation, in which small channels, called
corrugations, are used to guide water across a field. No attempt is made to confine the water entirely to the
corrugations. (ASAE, 1998)
• flood irrigation: Method of irrigation where water is applied to the soil surface without flow controls, such as
furrows, borders or corrugations. (ASAE, 1998)
• furrow irrigation: Method of surface irrigation where the water is supplied to small ditches or furrows for
guiding across the field. (ASAE, 1998)
− alternate set irrigation: Method of managing irrigation whereby, at every other irrigation, alternate furrows are
irrigated, or sprinklers are placed midway between their locations during the previous irrigation. (ASAE, 1998)
− alternate side irrigation: Practice of furrow irrigating one side of a crop row (for row crops or orchards) and
then, at about half the irrigation time, irrigating the other side.
− cutback irrigation: Reduction of the furrow or border inflow stream after water has advanced partially or
completely through the field in order to reduce runoff. (ASAE, 1998)
− surge: Surface irrigation technique wherein flow is applied to furrows (or less commonly, borders)
intermittently during a single irrigation set. (ASAE, 1998)
• wild flooding: Surface irrigation system where water is applied to the soil surface without flow controls, such as
furrows, borders (including dikes), or corrugations. (NRCS)
• sprinkler: Type of irrigation using mechanical devices with nozzles (sprinklers) to distribute the water by
converting water pressure to a high velocity discharge stream or streams.
− continuous/self-move system: Lateral, sprinkler (traveler), or boom that is continuous or self moving while
water is being applied. Power for moving the facility is typically provide by electric or hydraulic (water) motors
or small diesel engines. (NRCS)
− boom: Elevated, cantilevered boom with sprinklers mounted on a central stand. The sprinkler-nozzle trajectory
back pressure rotates the boom about a central pivot which is towed across the field by a cable attached to a
winch or tractor. Can also be a periodic-move system. (NRCS)
− center pivot: Automated irrigation system consisting of a sprinkler lateral rotating about a pivot point and
supported by a number of self-propelled towers. Water is supplied at the pivot point and flows outward
through the pipeline supplying the individual sprinklers or spray heads. (NRCS)
− corner pivot: Additional span or other equipment attached to the end of a center pivot irrigation system that
allows the overall radius to increase or decrease in relation to field boundaries. (NRCS)
− lateral (linear) move: Automated irrigation machine consisting of a sprinkler line supported by a number
of self-propelled towers. The entire unit moves in a generally straight path perpendicular to the lateral and
irrigates a basically rectangular area. (NRCS)
− traveler (traveling gun) irrigation: Large rotating sprinkler(s) mounted on a trailer to deliver water in a circle.
The sprinkler and associated trailer are towed through the field by any of several means. … Travelers are also
called cable-tow, hard hose and hose drag. (NRCS)
• periodic-move system: System of laterals, sprinklers heads (gun types), or booms that are moved between
irrigation settings. They remain stationary while applying water. (NRCS)
− gun type: Single sprinkler head with large diameter nozzles, supported on skids or wheels. Periodically moved
by hand or mechanically with a tractor, cable, or water supple hose. … (NRCS)
− portable (hand move) irrigation: Sprinkler system which is moved by uncoupling and picking up the pipes
manually, requiring no special tools. (Soil, 2013)
− side move: Sprinkler system with the supply pipe supported on carriages and towing small diameter trailing
pipelines each fitted with several sprinkler heads. (NRCS)
− side role (wheel line): Supply pipe is usually mounted on wheels with the pipe as the axle and where the
system is moved across the field by rotating the pipeline by engine power. (NRCS)