It is generally not suited to the small farm. Capital costs are higher than freely moveable systems and pipes should not be left in position for extended periods as they become overgrown and prone to accidental damage. Fixed sprinklers Fixed sprinkler irrigation is easy to operate, can be readily automated and suits most forms of irrigated agriculture. Supply pipes are buried and sprinklers operate above the crop. Depending on crop and sprinkler type, the sprinklers are usually 6 to 12 metres apart and riser pipes from 15 to 25 millimetres in diameter.
System design requires expert assistance.
A poorly designed system is expensive to alter, may result in excessive pumping costs and give wrong watering patterns. Fixed sprinkler irrigation systems are efficient and require little labour, but are expensive to install. Labour costs are additional. The small sprinklers and microjets operate a few centimetres above ground level and the dripper lines are laid on the soil. This system is ideal for orchards, and selected vegetable and flower crops.