Cost Models for Preliminary Economic Evaluation of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

Cost models that provide a preliminary evaluation of the economic feasibility of portable pipe, traveling gun, and center‐pivot irrigation systems on a site‐specific basis are presented. The models require limited input data, with simplifying assumptions about field shape, pipe orientation, and sprinkler layout used to size irrigation system components. Fixed costs are based on market estimates of the cost of irrigation system components, and can also include water‐source development, drainage, and clearing costs. Variable irrigation costs (energy, labor, and maintenance) are calculated as a function of the expected number of agricultural drought days for the site. A sensitivity analysis of the cost models shows that crop price, interest rate, and irrigation system component costs are the most important input parameters affecting model output. The results of applying the cost models to two potential irrigation sites in Virginia are presented.