Chapter 6 Irrigation System Design - Part 652 - Fixed-solid set sprinkler irrigation systems - Planning and design considerations

Oct 28, 2026

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Chapter 6 presents irrigation system design within Part 652 of an irrigation guide, focusing on fixed or solid set sprinkler irrigation systems. It explains how sufficient pipe and sprinkler heads remain in place so laterals need not be moved, with blocks cycled by control valves on the mainline. Guidance covers automation options, expected application efficiencies, and auxiliary uses such as frost protection, cooling, humidity control, bud delay, dust control, and chemical application. It also details planning/design considerations for portable and permanent laterals, including labor, suitability for crop types, operational constraints, and protection needs for risers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages90

Reading Time3 h 47 min

AccessFree to download

Chapter 6 Irrigation System Design

652.0600 General irrigation objective

652.0601 Surface irrigation

652.0602 Sprinkle irrigation systems

652.0603 Micro irrigation systems

652.0604 Subirrigation systems

Chapter 6 Irrigation System Design Contents: 652.0600 General irrigation objective 6–1 (a) System capacity requirements .................................................................... 6–1 (b) Limiting factors ............................................................................................. 6–1 (c) System design ................................................................................................ 6–2 | 652.0601 Surface irrigation 6–2
(a) General 6–2
(b) Level basins, borders 6–5
(c) Contour levee (rice lands) 6–7
(d) Level furrows 6–8
(e) Graded borders 6–8
(f) Graded furrow characteristics 6–10
(g) Contour ditch 6–22
(h) Furrow erosion control 6–25 | | --- | | 652.0602 Sprinkle irrigation systems 6–27
(a) General 6–27
(b) Periodic move sprinkler irrigation systems 6–28
(c) Fixed-solid set sprinkler irrigation systems 6–42
(d) Continuous (self) move sprinkler irrigation systems 6–43
(e) Traveling gun sprinkler irrigation system 6–54
(f) Traveling boom sprinkler irrigation systems 6–58 | | 652.0603 Micro irrigation systems 6–59
(a) General 6–59
(b) Types of micro irrigation systems 6–59
(c) Advantages of micro irrigation systems 6–65
(d) Limitations of micro irrigation systems 6–65
(e) System components 6–66
(f) Planning and design considerations 6–67
(g) Design procedures 6–75
(h) Windbreaks 6–79
(i) Irrigating stream side (riparian) trees and shrubs 6–80 | 652.0604 Subirrigation systems 6–81 (a) General ......................................................................................................... 6–81 (b) Irrigation system components ................................................................... 6–82 (c) Planning and design considerations ......................................................... 6–82 (d) Design procedures ...................................................................................... 6–83 (210-vi-NEH, September 1997) 6–i Chapter 6 Irrigation System Design Part 652 Irrigation Guide (c) Fixed-solid set sprinkler irrigation systems A fixed or solid set sprinkler irrigation system has enough pipe and sprinkler heads that none of the laterals need to be moved to complete an irrigation once in place. Laterals can be either permanently buried or portable pipe laid on the ground surface. To irrigate the field, one or more blocks (sections) of sprinklers are cycled on and off with a control valve atthe mainline. Opening and closing of valves can be manual, programmed electronically, or timer clock controlled. A solid set sprinkler system can be easily automated. Application efficiencies can be 60 to 85 percent depending on design and management. In addition to applying irrigation water, these systems are used to apply water for environmental control, such as frost protection, crop cooling, humidity control, bud delay, crop quality improvement, dust control, and chemical application. See NEH, Part 623, Chapter 2, Irrigation Water Requirements, and section 652.0605, State supplement, for detailed discussion of auxiliary water use. (1) Planning and design considerations Solid set portable laterals—Solid set portable lateral systems are generally used for high value crops, such as nurseries, vegetables, or turf production, where the system can be moved from the field before harvest. However, they also can be used with permanent crops, such as orchards and berries, where the portable laterals can be left in the field. This type of system is sometimes used to germinate crops, such as lettuce, which will later be furrow irrigated. Advantages: • Reduced labor requirements because the pipe does not need to be moved while in the field. • Allows light applications at frequent intervals. Disadvantages: • High cost of needing sufficient lateral pipe and sprinklers to cover the entire field. • Can cause inconvenience for c

FAQs

What defines a fixed-solid set sprinkler irrigation system?

A fixed or solid set sprinkler system has enough pipe and sprinkler heads so laterals do not need to be moved after installation. Blocks of sprinklers are cycled on and off with control valves at the mainline.

How are control valves operated in solid set sprinkler systems?

Valve operation can be manual, programmed electronically, or controlled by a timer clock. Solid set systems can be automated.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of solid set portable laterals?

Advantages include reduced labor since pipe is not moved and the ability to apply light water at frequent intervals. Disadvantages include high costs to cover the whole field with adequate laterals and sprinklers, possible inconvenience for cultivation, and the need to support/protect tall sprinkler risers.

Oct 28, 2026

Upload by Aditya