One major advancement in irrigation technology occurred in the early 1950s, with the development of the center-pivot irrigation system in Nebraska. This innovation quickly became the dominant method across the High Plains and soon spread to various agricultural regions, both nationally and globally. Its rapid adoption in the ’60s and ’70s was driven by dependable returns on investment in drought-prone areas, where seemingly abundant groundwater and a favorable regulation created ideal conditions for its success.
Irrigation systems have enabled farmers to increase crop yields, profitability and land value. However, the ability to extract large volumes of groundwater has led to significant declines in water levels, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of both water resources and agricultural productivity. In response, advancements in irrigation technology have emerged rapidly.
Today, a variety of precision irrigation tools offer farmers the opportunity to reduce water usage by delivering only the precise amount of water that crops need based on factors such as topography, hydrology and soil characteristics. These innovations include improved sprinkler systems, such as center pivots utilizing precision technology equipment, commonly used to irrigate crops like corn, soybeans and alfalfa, as well as microirrigation methods like drip systems, often used in vineyards and orchards. For instance, variable-rate irrigation systems enable farmers to adjust pressure and speed at individual sprinkler nozzles, reducing energy costs and labor expenses.
Despite the benefits, adoption rates of advanced irrigation systems remain quite low. First, the systems are expensive and require both a significant upfront investment and time to learn how to operate and maintain them. Many farmers are reluctant to take on additional loans for complex systems that may not integrate well with existing infrastructure or that potentially present technical risks, such as faulty sensors, system failures and lack of accessible support. In addition, uncertainty about how these technologies will impact yields — especially as unpredictable weather patterns become more common — adds to the hesitation. Finally, in regions where water shortage is not an immediate concern, the incentive to invest in such technologies is especially low. The perceived urgency for water conservation is minimal, and in the face of an abrupt drought, using traditional irrigation methods may present a safer option.
The challenges surrounding the adoption of advanced irrigation technologies highlight the need for accessible, locally adapted solutions and strong support to promote change and enhance water stewardship. This complex issue involves many factors, including the role of local water policies, that were not discussed in this article. Collaboration among farmers, policymakers, technology developers and researchers with a focus on better understanding “how to meet farmers where they are” will continue to be key in designing practical solutions. For example, programs like TAPS and Master Irrigator, which encourage peer-to-peer learning and allow farmers to test new technologies without financial risk, will continue to play a vital role. By building trust, bridging generational divides and tailoring approaches to local contexts, advancements in irrigated agriculture can become more effective.
Renata Rimšaitė, PhD, is a senior program manager for the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska. Views or opinions expressed in this column do not represent her employer. This article was originally published in Irrigation Today, Summer 2025 issue. ●
New low-pressure oscillating sprinkler closes irrigation gaps and boosts water-use efficiency
By Janet Kanters
Komet Irrigation has introduced the Komet Precision Wave (KPW), a new-generation end-of-system sprinkler designed to solve one of the most persistent challenges in centre-pivot irrigation: uneven water distribution at the outer ends of pivots.
The KPW’s oscillating deflector creates a highly uniform droplet pattern, ensuring consistent coverage and water absorption from the pivot centre to its furthest edge. Operating efficiently at low pressure, it delivers reliable irrigation while reducing drift and evaporation losses.
“Uniform irrigation is one of the biggest drivers of yield and efficiency,” said Andree Groos, CEO of Komet Irrigation. “The KPW gives farmers peace of mind that every plant, from the centre to the outer
edge, gets the water it needs, consistently and efficiently. It’s the kind of innovation that helps our customers grow more with less.”
Founded in 1952 and serving farmers in over 80 countries, Komet Irrigation is a family-founded company specializing in precision irrigation components. Developed by Arno Drechsel, son of Komet’s founder, the KPW operates with a vacuum-driven oscillation system that functions smoothly even under low water pressure.
“The KPW uses a Venturi-generated vacuum and a magnetically driven oscillation mechanism,” explained Drechsel. “Unlike pressure-mechanical systems, it doesn’t rely on high pressure to move the deflector. This allows reliable, uniform motion and a gentle, rain-like pattern all the way to the system’s outermost edge – even at minimal pressure.”
Achieving this level of precision at low pressure, he said, was a major engineering breakthrough that brings measurable benefits in both uniformity and efficiency.
While quantitative benchmarks will be confirmed through Komet’s new testing facility, early results have been strong.
“It’s important to note that the KPW is not a standard pivot sprinkler but an end-of-system solution designed to close the irrigation coverage gap,” said Groos. “The upcoming Komet Experience Hub, launching in early 2026, will allow us to generate validated performance data under controlled, reproducible conditions.”
Farmers who have field-tested the KPW report stronger and more uniform crop growth, particularly in dry regions where traditional end-guns struggle. “The larger droplets
produced by the KPW resist wind drift and evaporation,” Drechsel added. “This helps maintain soil moisture at field boundaries and supports higher yields.”
Interest in the KPW is highest among growers in South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and
parts of North America like Canada, where energy costs and water scarcity make low-pressure systems more appealing.
“The KPW is slightly more expensive than conventional end sprinklers but less costly than installing an end-gun – and it’s more efficient than either,”
said Groos. “Farmers typically see a faster payback through better water-use efficiency, reduced losses, and improved crop performance.”
By reducing evaporation and drift, the KPW directly supports global sustainability goals. “Every drop that reaches the root zone is a win for both productivity and the environment,” said Drechsel. “The KPW helps farmers produce more with less, aligning irrigation efficiency with long-term water conservation.”
Built at Komet’s factory in Lienz, Austria, the KPW is produced to European engineering standards and available in both head-up (white deflector) and head-down (yellow deflector) configurations, with throw radii of 9–15 meters and flow rates ranging from 4.0–24.0 m³/h.
Experience Hub: Testing for the future Coinciding with the KPW launch, Komet unveiled plans for the Komet Experience Hub, a 1,000 m² research and testing centre that will combine automated testing, IoT-enabled monitoring, and environmental simulation to evaluate sprinkler and regulator performance under realistic conditions.
“Traditional field testing depends heavily on weather and environmental conditions, which makes results inconsistent,” Groos said. “The Experience Hub will let us control factors like wind, humidity, flow, and pressure – delivering faster, more accurate, and comparable data that accelerates product innovation.”
The facility will also serve as a collaborative platform. “We plan to open the Hub to research institutions and share data withthe wider irrigation industry,” Groos added.
Global readiness Komet’s automated production lines enable rapid scale-up to meet international demand. “We’re fully prepared to deliver globally as adoption accelerates,” Groos confirmed.
With the KPW, Komet completes its pivot irrigation portfolio, joining its precision regulators (KPRX), fixed sprinklers (KPS), oscillating models (KPT), and part-circle units (KPT-PC).
“The KPW embodies our philosophy,” concluded Drechsel. “It’s about using creativity, precision, and passion to help farmers everywhere make every drop of water count.” ●
Komet leadership team, left to right:Arno Drechsel, Hugo Drechsel, Sach Hoffmann (COO), Viktor Drechsel, Andree Groos (CEO). Photo: Komet Irrigation
