Sprinklers

sprinklers are used for irrigation, and in some vineyards to control frost (the water freezes to form a protective coating of ice round the young vine buds). Sprinkler irrigation has largely been replaced by drip irrigation, which uses much less water, and does not leave wet leaves vulnerable to fungal diseases and possible salinity damage. It is important to avoid waterlogging, which can readily cause injury to the newly growing roots. It has also been used in hot regions of Australia for vineyard cooling, by operating the system intermittently during the hottest part of the day, but this is not economical and wastes water.