Micro-irrigation is the most efficient system and flood systems are the least efficient. The centre pivot requires the least labour and the flood system the most but has the longest lifespan.
Irrigation efficiency, labour requirement and lifespan of irrigation systems.
|
Group |
System |
Efficiency (%) |
Ha/Labour |
Lifespan |
|
Flood |
Basin |
60 |
12 |
20 |
|
Bed |
55 |
10 |
15 |
|
|
Furrow |
65 |
15 |
20 |
|
|
Sprinkler (Non-mechanised) |
Dragline |
75 |
25 |
10 |
|
Portable |
75 |
25 |
10 |
|
|
Permanent |
85 |
50 |
15 |
|
|
Hop-along |
75 |
25 |
12 |
|
|
Big Gun |
70 |
20 |
10 |
|
|
Sprinkler |
Side-roll |
80 |
25 |
12 |
|
Travelling Gun |
75 |
25 |
10 |
|
|
Centre pivot |
85 |
100 |
15 |
|
|
Micro |
Drip |
95 |
30 |
5-15 |
|
Micro-jet |
90 |
30 |
15 |
|
|
Micro-sprinkler |
85 |
30 |
10 |
Note: Operating pressure for selected systems is as follows:
- Overhead sprinkler = 3 – 4 bar
- Micro-jet = 1.5 bar
- Drip – 1 bar