INTERPRET
IRRIGATION SYSTEM
PLAN AND DESIGN
Poem
IRRIGATION
Is from where water flows,
Has a great help to farmers.
For their plants to grow.
You will appreciate its importance,
too Especially during dry times,
Where rainfall is impossible And water
supply is very low
Questions:
1. What is the poem all about?
2. What is the use of irrigation
Objective
:
1. Identify the different designs of irrigation system.
2. Illustrate own irrigation design.
3. Value the importance of designs and irrigation
system plan
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 depend on many factors
such as water availability, crop, soil characteristics, land
topography, and associated cost.
Proper design of an irrigation system should
match to the irrigation distribution system
so that the pressure and flow rate required
can be efficiently provided. The energy
required to pump water is determined by
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.
Functions of Farm Irrigation System
The primary function of farm irrigation system is to
supply crops with irrigation water in the quantities and
at the time it is needed.
1. Diverting water from the water source.
2. Conveying it to individual fields within the farm.
3. Distributing it within each field.
4. Providing 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
controlling wind erosion
providing water for seed germination
application of chemicals
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 project costs. The plan provides step by step
information on installation. Information on crop
spacing, sprinklers, pumping requirements, pipeline
sizes and lengths should be included on the plan.
Pertinent obstructions such as roads, trees,
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.
Different Designs of Irrigation System
1. Surface Irrigation- water is applied to the field in either
the controlled or uncontrolled manner. Surface irrigation
consists of:
1.1 Furrow system a method of laying out
the water channels in such a way where
gravity plays the role of providing just
enough water for suitable plants to grow.
1.2 Border irrigation is a controlled
surface flooding whereby the field is
divided into strips by parallel ridges or
dikes and each strip is irrigated separately.
It is suitable for crops that can withstand
flooding for a short time.
1.3 Basin irrigation is ideal for irrigating rice.
The field is flat in all directions, encompassed
by a dike to prevent runoff and provides an
undirected flow of water onto the field.
2. Sprinkler Irrigation is ideal in areas where
water is scarce. It is conveyed through pipes
and applies with a minimum amount of
losses. It is applied in form of sprays,
simulating natural rainfall. If well planned,
designed and operated, it can be used in
sloping land to reduce erosion where other
systems are not possible.
3. Drip or Trickle Irrigation System
Advantages:
a. Water is applied directly to the crop ie.
entire field is not wetted.
b. Water is conserved
c. Weeds are controlled because only the
places getting water can grow weeds.
d. There is reduced evaporation, only
potential transpiration is considered.
e. There is no need for a drainage system.
Illustrate your own irrigation design.
Direction: Identify the pictures below from the given
choices in the box. Write the letter of the correct answer.
A. Border Irrigation C. Drip or Trickle Irrigation
B. Forrow Irrigation D. Sprinkler Irrigation
