K-Line Irrigation

K-Line Irrigation is the most affordable, effective irrigation solution for your pastures

Searching for even, low-labor watering for your horse arena?

Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated April 2026

K-Line Irrigation black sprinkler pod spraying water in a green dairy pasture with grazing cows

K-Line Irrigation
K-Line Irrigation is the most affordable, effective irrigation solution for your pastures and property!

About K-Line Irrigation
K-Line Irrigationbegan about twenty years ago on the south island of New Zealand. Dairy farmer John Kirk and RX Plastics in Ashburton combined to create this new and innovative irrigation system. K-Line’s lower cost and simplicity helped it to catch on quickly with the New Zealand graziers. It is the most popular irrigation system in New Zealand today!

So….Who Is K-LineIrrigation?

K-Line Irrigationis aneCommerce retailer of the K-LINE®Irrigation system and its components.We are the American retail team of helpful people who will assist you with your purchase and send off your amazing K-LINE® irrigation system. We are here to answer your calls and questions, making sure you get to enjoy all the wonderful aspects of your new irrigation system!

What Is The K-LineIrrigationPromise To It’s Clients?
IRRIGATION Made Easy-- Anywhere!

At K-Line Irrigation North America , we believe in providing our clients with the highest level of quality products and customer service. Every irrigation situation is unique so let us help you find the right solution for your needs.

VersatilityK-Line systems can be designed to fit any shape of the property and moved across any type of terrain as long as it can be traversed by an ATV. K-Line is designed to fit each unique field and any obstructions that may be present within it such as fences, buildings, and trees. No need to manipulate your field to make irrigation possible.

Furthermore, K-Line’s versatility permits multifunctional use by the arena owner. K-Line is a perfect solution for wetting down an arena prior to an event. Arena owners may choose to have separate K-Line systems for pasture and arena areas, or because of K-Line’s versatility and portability, utilize the same unit on both areas. Horse property owners can quicky disconnect the pasture unit and transport it to the arena area, water down the arena, avoiding pooling by applying exactly as much water as is needed, then easily transport the system back to the pasture when arena wetting is complete.

Management FlexibilityIf your field or green space has areas that require special attention, either more or less water and/or fertilizer, K-Line’s unique design permits that. With K-Line, every area of your field can be managed to suit its own specific needs.

Irrigating pasture in rotational grazing situations with traditional systems such as wheel lines or center pivots is challenging and even frustrating. K-Line was designed with the express goal of making irrigation and livestock management congruent and harmonious.

EfficiencyThe K-Line system permits slow, even infiltration of water into the soil; much like a soft rain. This means that the soil profile gets watered deep enough to permit robust plant root development - improving plant vigor, production, and drought tolerance.

Water scarcity is now a norm and responsible management of it is vitally important. The K-Line system ensures you apply only as much water when and where needed; no excess runoff and no water applied to areas where it isn't beneficial.

CallToday To Get The RightK-Line Irrigation PackageFor You!

Great horse properties don’t just happen. They are planned and carefully nurtured. Having a healthy watering system for your pastures is vital to the health of your animals and your pocketbook! Having a watering system that is extremely low maintenance, super easy to use, designed to last for many years and affordable, just makes it so much better and that is what you get withK-Line Irrigation!Call our helpful staff today and tell us about your horse property!

What exactly is the K-Line pod system?

K-Line is a portable, low-pressure sprinkler-pod irrigation system built around tough, one-piece polyethylene pods that ride on flexible K-Pipe tubing. Each pod houses a sprinkler protected by an integral weighted base that prevents tipping and keeps lines from twisting when towed around corners. The system is designed to fit the field rather than forcing you to reshape the field to fit the machine, and it carries no gearboxes, chains, wheels, or other moving parts beyond the pump and the sprinkler heads. K-Line North America describes it as "Simple. Economical. Low-Maintenance."

K-Line Irrigation pods watering a green pasture at sunset

Who developed K-Line, and where does it come from?
Pod irrigation began in the mid-1990s on the South Island of New Zealand, where dairy farmer John Kirk teamed with RX Plastics of Ashburton to create the system that became K-Line Irrigation. Its low cost and simplicity made it the most popular irrigation system in New Zealand, with more than 200,000 acres now watered. K-Line North America was established in June of 2003 to bring the system to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and operates from 4270 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Full line of K-Line Irrigation sprinkler pods irrigating a rolling green pasture

What materials make K-Line so durable?

K-Line tubing combines the properties of both high- and low-density polyethylene, giving it strength and flexibility so it can be dragged even across rocky terrain. The blend is specially formulated to withstand temperature extremes and UV exposure, while heavy-duty fittings are engineered to take the stress of moving a line while its sprinklers are still running. Pods are tough, one-piece polyethylene with a weighted base that shields the internal sprinkler components. Under normal use K-Line tubing and pods are expected to last at least ten years, and the company is aware of many systems still running after 20-plus years with little maintenance.

Blue K-Line Irrigation pods spraying water in a fenced grass paddock with snow-capped mountains behind

How does watering and moving the line actually work?

Your property is divided into zones, each served by one supply riser, a feedline, and a K-Pipe carrying the right number of sprinklers and pods, then further split into 6 to 12 "sets." Sprinklers run best at 40 to 50 PSI at the head, with low-pressure options that operate down to 25 PSI, applying water slowly like a soft rain so it soaks deep with little or no runoff. Every 12 or 24 hours each line is towed to its next set with an ATV, UTV, lawn tractor, or even a horse, and a 500-foot line can be repositioned in under three minutes while the sprinklers keep running. A full zone is typically irrigated within three to twelve days before the line returns to its start position.

Who is K-Line built for?

K-Line was developed for managed intensive grazing, letting graziers shift the line in right behind livestock to spur regrowth without disturbing fence lines or installing special crossings. It works on anywhere from one acre to thousands, and thrives on steep, sloped, or odd-shaped ground where pivots and wheel lines are impractical. Beyond pastures and dairies, the same system serves hay production, sod farms, orchards, vineyards and produce rows, effluent disposal, fire mitigation around homes, dust suppression on racetracks and rodeo arenas, and green spaces like athletic fields, golf courses, parks, and cemeteries. You can also fertigate through K-Line, micromanaging fertilizer or chemicals area by area instead of blanketing a whole field.

How do you buy K-Line and get a system designed?

K-Line is sold through a North America-wide network of established irrigation dealers who specialize in pastureland products and offer local installation and support; selling through dealers cuts shipping costs and keeps product close to local markets. For smaller projects under 4 to 5 acres many dealers stock preconstructed three-, four-, and five-pod Farm Packs, while larger jobs get a custom design and materials list from on-staff designers via the Consultation Request Form. The company also sells the ATV-mounted Kwik Shifter dolly for moving lines without dismounting, plus portable livestock water troughs through eCommerce partner Soft Rain Irrigation. Reach K-Line toll-free at 1-866-66K-Line or, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

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The Solution Section (FAQ)

What is K-Line and where did it come from?

K-Line Irrigation began about twenty years ago on the south island of New Zealand. Dairy farmer John Kirk and RX Plastics in Ashburton combined to create this innovative irrigation system. K-Line's lower cost and simplicity helped it catch on quickly with New Zealand graziers — it is the most popular irrigation system in New Zealand today. K-Line Irrigation North America is the American eCommerce retailer of the K-LINE® system and components.

What makes K-Line different from a wheel line or pivot?

Per K-Line, the system has no moving parts except the self-actuating sprinklers. The flexible tubing — strong but pliable — lets you move multiple sprinklers at once with an ATV (or smaller systems by hand or with a horse). It can be designed to fit any shape of property and moved across any terrain an ATV can traverse, including around fences, buildings, and trees. No need to manipulate your field to make irrigation possible.

Can I use K-Line for an arena as well as a pasture?

Yes. Per K-Line, the system is a perfect solution for wetting down an arena prior to an event. Arena owners can run separate K-Line systems for pasture and arena, or — because of K-Line's portability — use the same unit on both. You can quickly disconnect the pasture unit, transport it to the arena, water down the arena (avoiding pooling by applying exactly as much water as needed), then move it back when arena wetting is complete.

Can horses be in the pasture while it's running?

Yes. The system is designed to be compatible with horses, cattle, or other livestock. K-Line offers "stock guards" as an add-on — they don't hinder water application and ensure that livestock hoof action will not break sprinklers or fittings. Stock guards are a separate add-on item, so add them to your order or ask the K-Line staff.

How long does a K-Line system last?

Per K-Line, considering normal use, K-Line tubing and pods are expected to last at least ten years. There are many systems in the United States and abroad that are 20+ years old with little to no maintenance required.

What maintenance does the system need?

Minimal. The only regular maintenance is draining at season's end, unplugging an occasionally clogged sprinkler nozzle, and splicing the rare break in lines if/when kinked multiple times. Nearly anyone can repair it (which is rarely even necessary).

How many acres can a Farm Package cover?

Per K-Line, the general rule of thumb for a Farm Pack is less than one acre up to eleven acres. K-Line provides sizing and pod-feed-line-length charts on their site, and combines two Farm Packs adequately for properties needing more than 3 acres of consistent irrigation. The K-Line team is happy to walk through your property over the phone.

How do I reach K-Line?

Call 269-429-3000 or 866-66K-Line, or visit k-linena.com. K-Line Irrigation North America is at 4270 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

What is the K-Line Irrigation system?

K-Line is a portable, low-pressure sprinkler-pod irrigation system. Tough one-piece polyethylene pods, each holding a sprinkler in a weighted base, ride along flexible K-Pipe tubing that connects back to a feedline and riser. It is designed to be towed from set to set so a single line can water a whole field over the course of several days.

Who invented K-Line and where did it come from?

Pod irrigation began in the mid-1990s on the South Island of New Zealand. Dairy farmer John Kirk worked with RX Plastics in Ashburton, New Zealand to create the system that became K-Line Irrigation. It spread quickly among New Zealand graziers because of its low cost and simplicity, and is now used on more than 200,000 acres there.

When did K-Line come to North America?

K-Line North America was established in June of 2003 to introduce the system to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It operates from 4270 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085, and sells through a continent-wide network of irrigation dealers.

What pressure do K-Line sprinklers need?

40 to 50 PSI at the sprinkler is ideal, but K-Line offers options that can run down to 25 PSI. The pressure needed at the supply pump depends on the size, type, and length of both underground and aboveground pipe, plus any rise in terrain the water has to climb.

How fast can a K-Line be moved to the next set?

Very fast. Using an ATV, a 500-foot line of sprinklers can be repositioned in less than three minutes, and it is done while the sprinklers are still running so very little watering time is lost. Moving is commonly done once a day at a time convenient for the operator, and nearly anyone can do it.

What equipment do I need to move a K-Line?

Most operators use an ATV or UTV, but small lawn tractors and riding lawnmowers also work, and some producers even use a horse. It is best to move the line while it is operating so the K-Pipe stays full of water, which keeps it rigid and prevents kinking. Lines longer than four or five pods may be too heavy for some lawnmowers or horses to tow.

What maintenance does K-Line require?

Almost none. The only regular tasks are draining the system at season's end, unplugging the occasional clogged sprinkler nozzle, and splicing the rare break in a line that has been kinked multiple times. There are no gearboxes, chains, or wheels to grease or repair, and nearly anyone can make a repair when one is needed.

How much water and how many acres can K-Line cover?

As a general rule, three gallons per minute will put down one inch per week per acre, which is sufficient across much of the eastern part of the continent. K-Line is designed to work on anywhere from one acre to thousands of acres. For example, applying 1.5 inches per week to a three-acre parcel works out to about 13.5 GPM.

Can I run fertilizer through K-Line?

Yes, you can fertigate with K-Line just as you would with any other irrigation system. The real advantage is micromanagement: instead of blanketing a whole field with an average amount of chemical, you can pre-wet select areas and apply more, less, or no chemical to specific zones. This gives you precise control over inputs and reduces waste.

Will K-Line work where livestock are present?

Yes. Livestock are not bothered by K-Line and often graze around the operating sprinklers, especially on hot days. For added protection, K-Line offers "stock guards" that fit over the top of the pods so hoof action will not break sprinklers or fittings, and they do not hinder water application.

How is a K-Line system designed for my property?

K-Line designers assess factors including parcel size and shape, geographic location, crop, evapotranspiration rate, soil moisture holding capacity, and topography. The property is then divided into zones, each served by a pod line, feedline, and riser, and subdivided into 6 to 12 sets. K-Pipe is typically sized at 1.25, 1.5, or 1.75 inches to maintain pressure and flow to the most distant pod. You can start the process with the Consultation Request Form.

What is a K-Line Farm Pack?

For smaller projects of less than four to five acres, many K-Line dealerships stock preconstructed Farm Packs in three-, four-, and five-pod configurations. They make it easy to get started without a custom design. Larger projects instead receive a customized design and materials list built by dealers and on-staff designers.

How is the G-Set system different from K-Line?

G-Set is K-Line's automated, permanent-set "set it and forget it" system that requires no moving. Each pod or post has its own solar-powered, battery-operated valve and controller for individual, variable-rate control, with optional cloud-based remote management and soil-moisture sensing from a smartphone. It is ideal for undulating ground, differing soil types, or multiple crops, and offers both in-ground pod and above-ground post mounts that can be combined on the same property.

What is the Kwik Shifter?

The Kwik Shifter is an ultra-durable dolly that lets an operator move K-Lines without getting off the ATV. The operator drives over a shifter ball connected by rope to the end of each line, and engineered spring-controlled scoops hold the ball until released at the new position. It reduces labor and injury risk, lessens the spray the operator experiences, and lets the ATV turn more sharply after snagging each line.

Does K-Line offer livestock watering products?

Yes. K-Line carries portable livestock water troughs designed for rotational grazing that can integrate into a K-Line system or be used on their own. The PortaTank weighs less than 26 pounds yet, thanks to a proprietary low-medium density polyethylene blend, is highly shatter and crack resistant. Not all dealers stock tanks, so inquire locally or shop online through K-Line's eCommerce partner, Soft Rain Irrigation.

How do I buy K-Line and who do I contact?

K-Line is sold through a network of established irrigation dealers across North America who provide local expertise and installation. You can find a dealer or request a consultation through k-linena.com, and many dealers offer advice and pricing on underground piping and pumps too. K-Line North America can be reached toll-free at 1-866-66K-Line or at 269-429-3000, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, from 4270 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085.