Sizing Guide

Irrigation Sizing Guide

Step-by-step guidance to size pipes, emitters, pumps and pressure regulators for your crop, soil and water source.

Size your system with confidence

A correctly sized irrigation system improves coverage, conserves water and avoids pressure problems that reduce crop performance.

This guide covers

  • Choosing the right emitter spacing for your crop
  • Sizing mainline and lateral pipe diameters
  • Estimating pump flow and pressure needs
  • Planning filters, valves and regulation points

Crop-specific spacing

Different crops need different emitter spacing and flow. Vegetables, trees and cereals each have their own ideal layout.

Flow and pressure

Understand how pump flow, line friction and emitter pressure work together to keep your system balanced.

Pipe and fittings

Choose the right pipes and fittings to reduce losses and make installation easier.

1.

Measure water source capacity

2.

Select crop emitter layout

3.

Size pipelines and regulators

4.

Confirm with a system check

What you will learn

  • How emitter type and spacing affect water use
  • When to use drip lines, micro-sprinklers or surface pipes
  • How to estimate pressure losses in each pipe segment
  • How to choose pump size for steady and reliable flow

Why sizing matters

A poorly sized system can leave crops under-watered, waste energy or cause pressure drops during peak irrigation hours.

Need help applying the guide to your farm?

Our team can review your site and recommend the correct components for your system.

Contact us for sizing help