Wind Speed and Direction Influence Nursery Spray Stake Performance

Abstract

Water resources are under increasing constraints worldwide due to rising global populations creating greater demands on agricultural production, thus creating a need for more efficient water utilization. This study investigated the effects of wind speed, wind direction, water pressure, and spray stake height on irrigation efficiency in nursery containers. Experiments were conducted in a controlled wind environment, evaluating three wind speeds (0, 15, and 30 mph), two water pressures (15 and 25 psi), and spray stake placements (0, 1, and 2 inches) above the container rim. The factorial experiment (3 wind speeds × 2 water pressures × 3 spray stake placements × 8 replications) was observed over a series of 10-minute periods in which water was captured within the nursery containers, measured, and recorded. Results indicated that lower spray stake height positioning and lower wind speeds significantly improved the amount of water volume captured within nursery containers (ml). Orienting spray stakes against prevailing wind further enhanced water retention, particularly at 0 and 1 inch heights. In contrast, higher stake elevations led to increased water loss due to overspray and wind distortion, especially under prevailing wind conditions. While increasing water pressure improved delivery volume, it was insufficient to fully mitigate wind-related losses. These findings suggest that nursery irrigation systems should utilize low spray stake positioning and orient emitters opposite to prevailing winds. Installing stakes at or just below the container rim may offer additional protection against water loss, promoting more sustainable irrigation in wind-prone environments.