Use an irrigation system that can be dedicated to land applying liquid wastes or wastewater and can be ready to operate with minimal time and effort. Center pivots and hard hose reel-type traveling guns are the most common farm irrigation systems used for this activity. Solid-set sprinkler systems (buried pipes and stationary sprinklers on "risers") are also used. Liquid waste or slurry from storage ponds require "big gun" sprinklers with large bore nozzles and "solids-handling" pumps to handle the heavy solids concentration. Lagoon wastewater typically has less than 1% solids content so sprinkler nozzle size and pump type can be similiar to "regular" irrigation systems for this material. Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), which is small volume, small orfice emitters on buried pipe, can be used for lagoon wastewater irrigation but installation and operation costs are higher than sprinkler systems and maintenance can also be problematic.
Most irrigation systems in the High Plains are not strictly dedicated to application of manure liquid and are used for timely application of water as well. Field size and shape in many areas of the United States are samll or irregular and thus a center pivot is not economically justified. If pivots are used, then low drop nozzle should be used to minimize drifting of odors. One key with "big gun" systems is the proximity to neighbors and highway traffic. This type of system does not work in many areas since the local community is concerned about the odors and emmisions being sprayed into the atmosphere. The manufacturer of the equipment should be consulted about installation of screens at the inlet of irrigation systems. Subsurface drip systems are more expensive but there is minimal odor, year round land application in most states and they may be installed on irregular or smaller fields. Also with subsurface systems a fresh water supply is need to flush the lines immediately following the application of waste water.

Plan on using the system regularly to manage storage pond or lagoon levels AND the nutrient content in the applied liquid.