A practical guide to the design, operation and management of centre pivot and lateral move irrigation systems for broadacre farming enterprises.
Effective irrigation design and management can help improve water distribution, reduce operating costs and support productive farming systems. Understanding the strengths and limitations of centre pivot and lateral move irrigation systems is essential when planning new developments or optimising existing infrastructure.
This guide examines the factors that influence irrigation efficiency, including system capacity, equipment selection and emitter performance. It also explores practical design considerations such as pipe sizing, energy requirements and application rates that can impact long-term operating costs and irrigation outcomes.
Readers will gain practical knowledge of how to assess, manage and maintain centre pivot and lateral move systems to support efficient water use and better irrigation performance across broadacre enterprises.
Who this guide is for
- Broadacre farmers and irrigators
- Irrigation managers and operators
- Rural landholders considering irrigation system upgrades
- Agricultural advisors and consultants
- Students studying irrigation and agricultural water management
What you'll learn
- How centre pivot and lateral move irrigation systems operate
- Key components of centre pivot and lateral move systems
- Advantages and limitations of each system type
- Irrigation efficiency and water-use considerations
- Important design factors affecting system performance
- Pipe sizing and energy cost implications
- Capital and operating cost considerations
- Emitter selection and application uniformity
- Managing wheel rut and wheel equipment issues
- Best-practice management of centre pivot and lateral move systems
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to centre pivot and lateral move
Chapter 2: Safety
Chapter 3: Environmental impacts of irrigation
Chapter 4: Centre pivot and lateral move systems
Chapter 5: Irrigation efficiency
Chapter 6: Key design issues
Chapter 7: Emitters
Chapter 8: Managing CPLM systems
Publication Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Jennifer Laffan |
| Publisher | NSW Department of Primary Industries |
| Series | AgGuide Water Series |
| Catalogue Number | B961 |
| ISBN | 9781742569192 |
| Format | A4 |
| Pages | 48 |
| Publication Year | 2016 |