It is known that this method of irrigation requires less water than sprinkler irrigation, but commercial scale comparisons have not been made in Manitoba. Filtration of water is an important consideration in the design of a trickle system. Filtration requirements depend on water quality and on the type of tubing used. The cost of equipment is high and annual costs are especially high because the tubing has limited life when used on annual crops like vegetables. Sprinkler Irrigation Sprinklers have advantages, particularly to a vegetable grower, as they are adaptable to almost any soil or topographic condition, and can apply large or small amounts of water at one time.
Sprinkler systems can also provide a light application to promote germination.
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.