3 Irrigation Systems pdf

Table 3.  Centre pivots

Capital costs

Modest; $2,500-$3,000* for 50 ha system.

Pumping costs

Low; very low pressures required

Labour requirements

Low; some labour required for machines to be

towed within the season.

Uniformity of application

Very high

Efficiency

Very high

Best suited

Large areas, crops with high water

requirements, higher value crops

Comments

Efficient and low labour requirements mean

precise irrigation scheduling is possible.

Systems robust over rolling terrain.

Very high instantaneous applications towards

the end of the line on large installations can

cause run-off on sloping sites and heavier

soils.

Circles create un-irrigated areas (without end

gun controls, irrigate 78% of a square).

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3 Irrigation Systems V3.doc  01/11/02

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