Quickguide to Irrigation Sprinkler Packages for Pivots and Laterals
At Utah State University (USU), researchers tested multiple sprinkler types to evaluate their performance in terms of water application efficiency, runoff potential, evaporation losses, and suitability for various soils and slopes. They were ranked in terms of ease of maintenance, price, allowable field slope, wheel track depth, and losses to wind. These comparisons help irrigators select the most effective package to maximize water use and crop production.
MESA (Mid Elevation Spray Application)
MESA systems use spray nozzles mounted several feet above the ground, typically on drop tubes that hang from the pivot.
- Easy to maintain and commonly used; offers good water distribution over taller crops.
- The higher spray height leads to more evaporation and wind drift, especially in hot or breezy conditions.
LEPA (Low Energy Precision Application)
LEPA systems use bubbler-type heads or pads to apply water in narrow streams directly into furrows or small basins at ground level.
- LEPA systems use bubbler-type heads or pads to apply water in narrow streams directly into furrows or small basins at ground level.
- Requires furrow dikes or row management to keep water in place, not ideal for uneven or sloped terrain.
LESA (Low Elevation Spray Application)
LESA systems are like MESA but place spray nozzles just 12–18 inches above the soil, reducing the distance water travels through the air.
- Very efficient in reducing evaporation and wind losses, making it ideal for water conservation.
- On compact or tight soils, water can pool or run off if the application rate exceeds infiltration.
MDI (Mobile Drip Irrigation)
MDI uses flexible drip lines that trail behind the pivot and slowly release water directly onto the soil surface, like traditional drip irrigation.
- Combines pivot convenience with drip-level efficiency—minimizing evaporation and ensuring deep soil penetration.
- Tubes can wear or clog over time, especially in weedy fields or on rough ground, requiring regular maintenance.
Results: All packages performed well when properly managed, but LEPA, LESA, and MDI showed the highest water application efficiency due to reduced evaporation and wind drift. MESA had higher losses to evaporation but remains effective on fields where other systems may not be practical.
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References
Authors
Matthew Reyes, Jonathan Holt, Matt Yost, Niel Allen, Earl Creech, Dean Winward, Tina Sullivan, and Boyd Kitchen
Utah State University Extension, June 2025