However, the capital and operating costs of sprinkler systems are high. Hand move systems using portable aluminum tubing are best suited to small acreage's such as market gardens. They can be used for germination, if the pressures are high enough to provide a finer droplet size. If light water applications are desired, the lateral lines have to be moved often and this results in high labour requirements. In cases where the value of the crop warrants it, enough hand move laterals could be used to cover the entire field.
Frost protection is also possible with a solid set system.
The only labour involved during the growing season would be the opening and closing of valves and operating the pump. The capital cost of the equipment would be very high compared to a portable hand move system. On small acreage's, the pumping unit is the main initial cost of any sprinkler system. Wheel roll systems are commonly used for vegetables in Manitoba. Where surface crusting is a problem or when irrigation for germination is required, the nozzle size of the sprinklers could be reduced.