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3.1 - What are the relative strengths, limitations and costs of different systems?

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This step compares the strengths and weaknesses of each of irrigation system against key factors so that the options for irrigation investment can be screened or eliminated. The information available on this section is still relevant, but has been expanded using information from the project.

Choosing the most appropriate irrigation system for your property is not easy. There are many advantages and disadvantages to each system, and ultimately the decision depends on the specific circumstances of your enterprise.

A general comparison of different irrigation systems is shown in Table 3.1 below. The table presents information on a range of characteristics for different systems including costs, labour requirements and application efficiency. This information will help you to decide on your preferred irrigation options, or eliminate options that might not be suitable for you given your goals and/or farm features.

Table 3.1 - Comparison of different types of irrigation systems

Method
Capital Cost*
Pumping Cost
Labour requirements
Application efficiency
Application uniformity
Potential water losses
Comments
Surface irrigation- furrowModest to high, depending on land levelling requirementsLow
(generally a gravity fed system)
Moderate to high (depending on level of automation)Low to high, depending on layout/soil properties/ irrigation managementLow to high, depending on layout/soil properties/ irrigation management- Evaporation
- Surface runoff
- Seepage
Performance highly variable 7 depending on site setup and strongly influenced by irrigation management. Can have problems with erosion. Irrigation performance may be improved by using surge flow rather than constant flow irrigation. Double row cropping may also reduce overall water use

Not suited for grazing
Surface irrigation- border-checkModest to high, depending on land levelling requirementsLow.
(generally a gravity fed system)
Moderate to high (depending on level of automation)Low to high, depending on layout/soil properties/ irrigation managementLow to high, depending on layout/soil properties/ irrigation management- Channel losses
- Evaporation
- Surface runoff
- Seepage
Performance highly variable depending on site setup and strongly influenced by irrigation management.

Suited to areas of even slope.
- For shallow rooted crops such as pasture, generally suitable for medium to heavy soils.
- Normally not suitable for shallow rooted crops on light soils.
- Suitable for lucerne on light to heavy soils.
- This system is not suitable for very light soils.
Very suitable for grazing.
Fixed or portable solid set sprinklersRelatively highRelatively low to low – operate at medium pressuresSubstantial at setup & retrieval; minimal once set up.High.Good if properly designed with appropriate spacings- Evaporation.
- Some wind dispersion
- Possible surface runoff depending on management
Suited to high value intensive vegetable, herb & ornamental crops, fixed systems for perennials.
Not generally suited for grazing
Travelling gun or boom irrigators, with soft or hard hose.Modest - higher for hard-hose systemsHigh.
High pressure required. Higher for hard hose (increased friction losses). Boom systems use lower pressure
Modest – lower for hard hose types. Reasonable sized tractor required to move large hard hose machinesLow to moderate (higher for boom systems)Low.
Uneven at start and end of run. Better uniformity with boom.
Uniformity depends on overlap of runs
- Wind dispersion
- May have excess runoff/seepage at ends where over-watered
Very flexible and portable system. Efficiency influenced by degree of overlap between irrigations. Most suited to annual crops (including pastures) with low water requirements
Long lateral sprinklers
(eg Van den Bosch, K-line)
Relatively lowModest.
Significant friction losses in lateral hoses.
High and regularLow
(relies on accuracy in overlap of runs)
Very low - uniformity depends on overlap of runs - Wind dispersion
- Evaporation
- Minimal surface runoff or seepage
Low capital cost but high labour requirements. Suited to pasture only. Suits areas with irregular shape or undulating topography
Centre PivotModest to highLow to moderate, depending on design pressureLow
Can be moderate if towable options used
High to very highHigh to very high.
May require end gun for maximum coverage in square paddocks. Uniformity under end gun low.
Evaporative losses
Some runoff at end of line on large systems (depending on design)
Robust on rolling terrain. If properly designed allows consistent efficient irrigation with minimal labour. Best suited to large areas of crops with high water requirements and/or of high value
Linear or lateral moveModest to highLow to moderate, higher than centre pivot if supplied by hose, due to friction losses;

lower if supplied by channel
Low to modestHigh to very highHigh to very high.
Only suited to rectangular areas
Evaporative losses. Some runoff if application rate > infiltration capacity of soilIf properly designed allows consistent efficient irrigation with minimal labour. Best suited to large areas of crops with high water requirements and/or of high value. Less appropriate on undulating or irregular terrain
Micro irrigation – microsprays or minisprinklersHigh to very highLow
(operate at low pressure)
Low
(seasonal maintenance)
Very highHighLow evaporative losses. Possible surface runoff depending on managementSuited to vine and tree crops. Accurate control of irrigation possible, best utilised with sophisticated scheduling methods. Requires filtration system and relatively clean water
Micro irrigation - dripHigh to very highLow
(operate at low pressure)
Low
(seasonal maintenance)
Very highHighLow evaporative losses. Possible surface runoff depending on managementWetting pattern will be influenced by soil texture and discharge rate. Suited to vine, tree crops and other forms of horticulture. Accurate control of irrigation possible, best utilised with sophisticated scheduling methods. Requires filtration system and relatively clean water
Micro irrigation – subsurface dripHigh to very highLow
(operate at low pressure)
Low
(seasonal maintenance)
Very highHighReduced evaporative losses, minimal runoff or seepageSuitable for horticulture and pasture irrigation (if properly designed). Flexible (fits into most layouts). Water applied within rootzone minimising losses. Will require filtration system and relatively clean water. May need additional irrigation system for crop germination
* Based on supply and installation of components except power supply.
Source: Finger L., Morris M (2005) - Water management options by the former Department of Primary Industries.
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