IRRIGATION SYSTEM PLAN AND DESIGN

IRRIGATION SYSTEM PLAN AND DESIGN
Water required by crops is supplied by nature in the form of

precipitation, but when it becomes scarce or its distribution does not coincide
with demand peaks, it is then necessary to supply it artificially, by irrigation.
Several irrigation methods are available, and the selection of one depends on
factors such as water availability, crop, soil characteristics, land topography,
and associated cost.
Proper design of an irrigation system requires that the pumping system

precisely match to the irrigation distribution system so that the pressure and
flow rate required can be efficiently provided by the pumping system. The
energy required to pump water is determined by the total dynamic head (water
lift, pipe friction, system pressure, etc.), the water flow rate desired and the
pumping system's efficiency.
Irrigation water management involves determining when to irrigate, the

amount of water to apply at each irrigation event and during each stage of
plant, and operating and maintaining the irrigation system. The main
management objective is to manage the production system for profit without
compromising environment and in agreement with water availability. A major
management activity involves irrigation scheduling or determining when and
how much water to apply, considering the irrigation method and other field
characteristics.
FUNCTIONS OF FARM IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
The primary function of farm irrigation systems is to supply crops with

irrigation water in the quantities and at the time it is needed. Specific function
includes:
1. Diverting water from the water source.

2. Conveying it to individual fields within the farm.
3. Distributing it within each field.
4. Providing a means for measuring and regulating flows.
Other functions of farm irrigation system include crop and soil
cooling, protecting crops from frost damage, delaying fruit and bud
development, and controlling wind erosion,
providing water for seed germination, application of chemicals, and land
application of wastes.
REASONS FOR AN IRRIGATION PLAN
• A project plan enables the designer to lay out the irrigation system in the
most cost effective way. The plan is used to generate a material list and
to evaluate the anticipated project costs.
• The plan provides step by step information on system installation.
Information on crop spacing, sprinklers, pumping requirements, pipeline
sizes and lengths should be included on the plan. Pertinent obstructions
such as roads, trees, gas, oil, water, telephone or transmission lines must
also be indicated.
• Specification, design standards and work schedules as set out on a plan
form the basis of any contractual agreements between the installation
contractor and the farmer.
• The plan provides a record for future reference. It can be used for overall
farm planning and identifies limits of expansion potential.
ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A PLAN
• Topographic Data - the field shape must be accurately drawn showing

pertinent obstructions, features and elevation details.
• Water Source Capacity - the water supply must be clearly

indicated showing location and available capacity.
• Depending on the water source, a well log or water license must accompany
the irrigation plan. Irrigation reservoirs also require Water Management
Branch licensing.
• Soil and Crop Characteristics - soil and crop limitations must be accounted
for to reduce runoff and deep percolation by mismanagement of the
irrigation system.
• Design Parameters - soil water holding capacity, maximum application

rate and climatic data must be used to select the correct irrigation
system design.
• Design Data - the nozzle selected, operating pressure, discharge rate and
sprinkler spacing must all be shown on the plan. The irrigation interval,
set time, application rate and net amount applied must also be
calculated.
DIFFERENT DESIGNS OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
1. SURFACE IRRIGATION- water is applied to the field in either the

controlled or uncontrolled manner.
Surface irrigation consist of:
1.1Furrow system
A. FURROW IRRIGATION BY CUTTING THE RIDGE

B .FURROW IRRIGATION WITH SIPHONS
1.2 Border Irrigation System
1. In a border irrigation, controlled surface flooding is practiced whereby

the field is divided up into strips by parallel ridges or dikes and each
strip is irrigated separately by introducing water upstream and it
progressively covers the entire strip.
2. Border irrigation is suited for crops that can withstand flooding for a
short time e.g. wheat.
1.3 Basin Irrigation System
Characteristics:
In basin irrigation, water is flooded in wider areas. It is ideal for irrigating rice.
2. SPRINKLER IRRIGATION
The sprinkler system is ideal in areas where water is scarce.

A Sprinkler system conveys water through pipes and applies it with a
minimum amount of losses.
Types of Conventional Sprinkler Systems
a) Fully portable system: The laterals, mains, sub-mains and the

pumping plant are all portable.
The system is designed to be moved from one field to another or other
pumping sites that are in the same field.
b) Semi-portable system: Water source and pumping plant are fixed in
locations. Other components can be moved.
The system cannot be moved from field to field or from farm to farm
except when more than one fixed pumping plant is used.
c) Fully permanent system: Permanent laterals, mains, sub-mains as well
as fixed pumping plant. Sometimes laterals and mainlines may be
buried. The sprinkler may be permanently located or moved along the
lateral. It can be used on permanent irrigation fields and for relatively
high value crops e.g. Orchards and vineyards. Labor savings throughout
the life of the system may later offset high installation cost.
3. DRIP OR TRICKLE IRRIGATION
Advantages:
a. Water is applied directly to the crop ie. entire field is not wetted.
b. Water is conserved

IRRIGATION SYSTEM PLAN AND DESIGN

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

IRRIGATION SYSTEM PLAN AND DESIGN

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

IRRIGATION SYSTEM PLAN AND DESIGN

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

IRRIGATION SYSTEM PLAN AND DESIGN

Water required by crops is supplied by nature in the form of

Proper design of an irrigation system requires that the pumping system

Irrigation water management involves determining when to irrigate, the

FUNCTIONS OF FARM IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

The primary function of farm irrigation systems is to supply crops with

1. Diverting water from the water source.

REASONS FOR AN IRRIGATION PLAN

ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A PLAN

• Topographic Data - the field shape must be accurately drawn showing

• Water Source Capacity - the water supply must be clearly

• Design Parameters - soil water holding capacity, maximum application

1. SURFACE IRRIGATION- water is applied to the field in either the

Surface irrigation consist of:

A. FURROW IRRIGATION BY CUTTING THE RIDGE

1.2 Border Irrigation System

1. In a border irrigation, controlled surface flooding is practiced whereby

The sprinkler system is ideal in areas where water is scarce.

a) Fully portable system: The laterals, mains, sub-mains and the

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.