Rugged durability of irrigation technology is important to orchard managers and growers. As fan jet systems have become popular with those who grow almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pecans, it is important that these devices withstand the weather, chemical applications and movement within the field.

The fan jet systems also provide targeted irrigation patterns in agricultural systems to improve water efficiency. The recent development of the new Micro Bird Jet system by Rain Bird is an improvement over previous generations with added durability and a snap-fit assembly that makes targeting those spray patterns easier in new and mature orchards.

Jeff Westphal, national sales manager with Rain Bird says the new system is now commercially available.

“This is a new iteration of our jet micro sprinkler product,” he said. That product was initially launched in 1993 and “a lot has changed out there in terms of how irrigation is delivered in the field since then.”

Capay Farms, a walnut and almond farm in northern California, is using the system with success. One of the facets of the technology they like is the larger and more durable construction.

“We are happy with the durability of the product,” said Mathew Cox, field manager with Capay Farms in a YouTube video.

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A couple of key differences in the newer technology is the enlarged size of the product, which Westphal says is noticeable in this class of sprinklers.

According to Westphal, the heavy-duty stake design provides optimal stability and height for accurate and consistent delivery of water through a host of delivery patterns. The system also allows deflectors to be flipped for flexibility through its snap fit technology. This allows a more targeted pattern for younger trees, with the ability to reverse it for wider applications when the trees get larger.

The snap fit system also provides for easier maintenance, he said.

The system can be operated with water pressure from 10-30 psi, with a flow rate of 5-30 gallons per hour. Irrigation patterns can be managed between three feet and 21.5 feet.