The Center Pivot sprinkler irrigation system is giving a large contribution to the irrigation development in Brazil. The success of the equipment is due to the following reasons: this mechanized equipment can be used in large areas even with irregular topography; the possibility of fertigation associated with the fact of not interfering on agricultural practices; the possibility of applying reduced amount of water in short intervals and after equipment one revolution it is ready to start a new cicle. The objective of this work was to analyze the performance of a low pressure center pivot. Water and pressure distributions, tower movement and some aspects related to the equipment management were studied. The results allow us to conclude that 1) the system distributes water uniformly, 2) the water application capacity is very high, 3) the pipes of large diameter decrease the water head and the range of pressure variation is lower when compared to smaller systems, 4) low second timer and higher speed increase water uniformity distribution.
irrigation; uniformity; center pivot