Irrigation systems must be able to supply large quantities of water and must not be prone to breakdown. Diesel pumps should be used for this purpose since electric pumps are prone to power outages. Problems with sprinkler irrigation for frost protection include large water requirements, expensive capital outlay, possible ice and water damage to the crop, and soil erosion. Wire hoops can also be used over each row or bed to protect the crop from the physical abrasions of the row cover. Wire hoops under the cover also minimizes the protection from cold damage.
Row covers are expensive to purchase but can be used for several seasons.
Row covers do not have the problems associated with water as in sprinkler protection. Fruits and plants do not suffer water and ice damage and workers can enter fields readily. Wide row covers for frost protection. This document is HS716, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information.