How do I size and design a sprinkler system for a field crop?

A sprinkler system is designed around the wetting pattern of each sprinkler and your pump capacity. The key numbers are the sprinkler spacing along the lateral and between laterals, which together fix how many sprinklers cover an acre, and the operating pressure, which must be high enough for the sprinkler to throw water evenly but not so high that the spray atomises and drifts in wind. The spacing is chosen so the spray circles overlap and give uniform coverage, with a rough guide of spacing at about half to two thirds of the wetted diameter, closer in windy areas. Your pump must deliver both the flow for the number of sprinklers running together and the pressure they need, so you usually run the field in zones rather than all at once. For field crops like wheat, groundnut, and pulses a portable or semi permanent sprinkler set is common, moved zone by zone. Tell the designer your field size and shape, the pump discharge and pressure, and how windy your area is, and ask for a layout showing sprinkler positions and zones. Sprinkler sets are covered under the micro irrigation subsidy, so confirm the current rate and empanelled vendors on your state portal, and get a written design before buying.