The main design considerations for border irrigation include flow rate, width, length, slope, and outlet conditions. Water requirements range from 15 to 45 gallons per minute per foot of width depending on length, slope, and soil type of the border. Sometimes crops are planted across borders or planted flat parallel to the border or parallel to the border with shallow furrows or corrugations to help guide the water down the border, especially if there is a small side slope. Border irrigation could be used on precision leveled rice fields where beans or other grain crops are grown in rotation with rice. There are some land-forming needs for drainage even with sprinkler irrigation.
Sprinklers adapt to a range of soil and topographic conditions.
Regardless of the sprinkler system you consider, a reputable dealer is vital. Also, as with any machine, a sprinkler system needs servicing, so select a system your dealer can service. The system selected is a major factor in professional service required and to what extent you can service it. Electric drive units require three-phase power. The electric drive system is easily reversed.