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Irrigation System Optimization Guide

The document outlines the importance of well-designed irrigation systems, specifically pivot and front ramp devices, to optimize water usage and crop production. It details the criteria for selecting and using these devices, including considerations for soil, pressure, and sprinkler types, as well as maintenance checks throughout the irrigation campaign. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity of adhering to European standards and conducting regular diagnostics to ensure efficient operation.

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9 views4 pages

Irrigation System Optimization Guide

The document outlines the importance of well-designed irrigation systems, specifically pivot and front ramp devices, to optimize water usage and crop production. It details the criteria for selecting and using these devices, including considerations for soil, pressure, and sprinkler types, as well as maintenance checks throughout the irrigation campaign. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity of adhering to European standards and conducting regular diagnostics to ensure efficient operation.

Translated by

ScribdTranslations
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
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Mastering irrigation

by pivot and front ramp

A well-designed and well-tuned device


saves water and improves production.
Regional Technical Support Program for Irrigators of Aquitaine

Diagnostics carried out for over 10 years


demonstrate that the hydraulic operating parameters
Devices are crucial in the quality of irrigation.
How to choose and use a pivot

Necessary criteria for design:


The daily dose to be provided (mm/day) determines the equipment flow rate.
This dose is based on the soil's water storage capacity and its permeability as well as
the water needs of the crop and any potential rainfall during the season.
On an existing installation, knowledge of the pressure and flow rate of the pump
dimension the device and the type of sprinklers.
The range of the sprinklers determines the intensity of the rainfall.

Selection criteria:

Choice of sprinklers based on available pressure:

Pressure 0.5 to Pivot sprinklers


available 2.5b must be at a low angle
Type Spray on cane Spray to and operate in the
the waterer of descent rotor pressure range for
Sensitivity to laquelle ils ont été
vent designed!

Spray Spray on rotator


cane

Sprinkler

Sensitivity of watering to wind:


Irrigation is all the more sensitive to the wind as the droplets produced are small.
(notably in cases of high pressure and significant height above ground).

Intensity of watering:
The intensity is all the higher when the range of the sprinklers is low. Combined with the
drop size, it is directly responsible for the degradation of the soil surface if
it is not suited to the type of soil: risk of compaction and induced runoff.

Remarks:
Pressure regulators mounted on sprinklers are often necessary in rugged areas.
Manufacturers must comply with current European standards:
-EN 12325: description of installations, performances and minimum characteristics (drainage plan)
- EN 909: compliance with the safety of pivot and front ramp installations.

All of this information is the subject of the buzzing plan on


which are reported at least all the information listed above.
This document is contractual and must be provided to the irrigator.
Use of devices

From the beginning of the campaign:


• Purge the installation

• Check: . the proper functioning of the sprayers (rotation, obstruction)


the adjustment of the end cannon (range and spraying angle specified in the
waste management plan

The end cannon can cover up to 25% of the


irrigated surface according to the size of the device.
Its pressure ensures effective reach, in
general three-quarters of the actual range.
The adjustment of the sector angle depends on the uniformity.
of watering at the end.
Standard cannon setting

• Check the inlet and outlet pressures with a detachable manometer.


These pressures must conform to those indicated in the piping plan.
(do not leave the pressure gauge permanently connected to the installation).

• Check the alignment of the spans (with each other).

A watering and the sprinklers


In the course of the campaign: have a lifespan
average of 5 to 10 years.
• Check the inlet and outlet pressures.
If the pressures are different from those prescribed, the flow rate is different and therefore the dose.
as well as the distribution of water are poor. These measures must be implemented
regularly and are mandatory in case of changes in bus usage.

• Check the proper functioning of the sprinklers and the end cannon
(rotation, obstruction, muzzle brake device).

• Calculate the delivered dose.


HeadInlet flow
flow rate
rate of the device in m3/h
(m³/h)
It can be calculated by the following relation: Irrigated area (ha)
V: Average speed of the last advancement
Q 2 ΠxR tour (m/h)
D= x R: Distance between the pivot rotation axis and the
S V x 10 last wheel
P:3.1416

In the case of a device operating on mains power,


correctSetRwithout forgetting the necessary time
At the end of the campaign: at the return of the ramp. For a cannon to
• Grease the transmissions intermittent operation, correct only S
• Inflate the tires to avoid creases
• Protect electrical installations.

An efficient irrigation system is a suitable dosage. It must:


ó take into account the soil (storage, permeability) and the rainfall intensity of
the watering
ó allow to meet the needs of culture during peak periods.
Quick test of the correct settings

Check the irrigation dose A dose variation error of


This verification can be done by means of 10% can lead to up to 20%
containers placed under each bay at a distance loss of yield
identical for each round (for example 15 in light soils such as sands.
m). This test can be done multiple times. If the If the underdosing of a span
the measurement results show a difference is translated by water towers
an increase of more than 10%, a complete diagnosis additional, we then have an over-
becomes necessary. dosage on the rest of the plot and
So a waste of water.

Check the pressure of the last span


A tapping on the last sprinkler allows for easy verification.
If there is a difference from the indicated pressure
on the bus plan is noted, check the
pressure at the head then the pumping station.

In case of pressure variation


important between the pivot entry
and at its end, it is advisable to
drain the device to ensure
that it is not clogged. If the problem
It persists, the bus need to be changed.

Check the flow rate of the installation


This check can be done by gauging the recovery tank, or by using a
volumetric meter. A measurement by ultrasonic flowmeter is carried out during the diagnosis.
complete the device.

Conduct a hydraulic diagnosis


It allows for the verification of the incoming flow rate in the device, the pressure at the inlet and then at the outlet.
If discrepancies are found compared to the manufacturer's specifications, there is a search for the
cause et possibilité de faire une étude d’unnouveau plan de busageadapté aux
hydraulic characteristics recorded in the field.

For a hydraulic diagnosis,


you can contact
This brochure was created by the support group The Departmental Chambers
technique to irrigators of Aquitaine with support of Agriculture or the [Link].
financier of the Adour-Garonne Water Agency Dordogne: 05 53 35 88 88
and the Regional Council of Aquitaine. Gironde : 05 56 79 64 13
This group consists of the Chambers Department: 05 58 85 45 45
Lot-et-Garonne: 05 53 77 83 83
Department of Agriculture and the Chamber Pyrénées Atlantiques: 05 59 80 70 00
Regional Agriculture. [Link] : 05 56 88 01 98

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