Automated short furrow irrigation (ASFI) is a prototype irrigation system that has the potential to be robust and relatively low-cost, with highly effective and efficient water use. ASFI has low energy requirements because the pressure at the field edge is relatively low, typically 70 kPa (or 7 m) as compared with approximately 150 kPa for drip and 400 kPa for dragline systems. However, at project onset, the only type of ASFI system tested was Microfurrow which was, among other problems, not robust. The aim of this project was, therefore, to develop, implement and evaluate a suitable ASFI system and to compare the system to a reference sub-surface drip (SSD) irrigation system with sugarcane as the test crop. This process resulted in the development of a boot and piston valve, which was used to automatically control the flow between specific plots. The valve was then implemented, as per design, in the ASFI system at a trial at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Ukulinga research farm. Irrigation events were scheduled according to SAsched with the aim of applying equivalent amounts of water to both the ASF and SSD treatments. The testing and evaluation included irrigation uniformity tests and the crop yields. Evaluation of selected furrows in the ASFI treatment showed a low quarter distribution uniformity (DUlq) range between 72 % and 80 %. This is considerably better than approximately 60 % for conventional furrow irrigation. However, the DU for ASFI could be improved to above 90 % if the slope was reduced from 1:40 to approximately 1:250. Both the harvested tons per hectare and sucrose content results were evaluated using a one-way statistical analysis with differences between the results deemed to be insignificant. Therefore, the ASFI performance in terms of harvest data for the Ukulinga trial could be described as “similar to” SSD irrigation. A 10 ha sample ASFI system was designed and compared in economic terms with a respective SSD system. Although further piping options can be explored in order to reduce the capital costs of the ASFI system even further, ASFI was considerably more cost-effective than the SSD system in terms of operating and fixed costs per hectare. The ASFI irrigation system, although having some initial maintenance requirements in insuring all furrows performed properly, required no other maintenance throughout the year in the Ukulinga trial. The drip system, however, required laterals to be flushed and leaks to be repaired. It is therefore believed that the ASFI system meets the required objectives of the project in that it is robust, low-cost (both operating and fixed) and able to supply water efficiently and effectively. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

Corrigenda pasted onto back end-paper. / Bibliography: leaves 340-355. / xxvi, 380 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / The aim of this thesis is to develop a mathematical model for the optimum design of pressure irrigation systems. Section I deals with models in which a fixed layout for the piping systems is considered and the enumeration approach is utilised and Section II considers models in which the piping layout is not fixed and the genetic algorithm is utilised as a relatively new approach to optimisation problems. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1996

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2006. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references (p. 200-263).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Kansas State University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 97-100).

In hierdie studie word die probleem van die onbevredigende verspreiding en gebruik van toegepaste navorsingsresultate oor besproeiingstegnologie in Suid-Afrika, ondersoek. Die probleem is uit 'n inligtingkundige hoek benader, met inagneming van die rolspelers in die verspreidingsproses, asook faktore wat hul optrede beinvloed. 'n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering is aangewend in 'n verkennende ondersoek na die verspreiding van twee navorsingsverslae oor besproeiingskedulering. Deur middel van onderhoudvoering met die vernaamste groepe rolspelers is vasgestel hoe die verspreidingsproses werklik verloop het. Daar is bevind dat verspreiding nie plaasgevind het soos deur die verspreider aangeneem is nie, waarskynlik as gevolg van 'n verskeidenheid faktore binne die sosiale stelsels van die rolspelers. Laastens word daar voorgestel dat verspreiders die bevindings van hierdie studie by die beplanning van toekomstige verspreidingstrategiee in ag behoort te neem. / This study addresses the problem of unsatisfactory dissemination and utilisation of applied research results irrigation technology in South Africa. The problem is approached from the Information Science point of view, taking into account the various role players in the dissemination process, as well as the factors which influence their behaviour. A qualitative research approach is applied to an exploratory investigation of the dissemination of two research reports on irrigation scheduling. In order to establish the exact way in which the dissemination process took place, the major role players were interviewed according to a semi-structured interviewing schedule. It is concluded that dissemination did not take place as assumed by the disseminator, probably as a result of the various factors within the social systems of the different role players. Finally it is proposed that disseminators take cognisance of the recommendations of this study when planning dissemination strategies in future. / Information Science / M. Bibl. (Inligtingkunde)

M.Ing. (Civil Engineering) / In South Africa water is considered to be a scarce resource, whichshould be used effectively. By using scheduling, the Agricultural sector can help to alleviate the burden on this resource. The determination of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) or potential evapotranspiration (PET), form an integral part of any scheduling model. Four methods for the determination of ETo was investigated, and their advantages and disadvantages singled out. The combination method was found to be the best method, because it make use of a mechanistic approach, and also take into account all the factors influencing evaporation. The SWB program's Priestley-Taylor and the FAO combination methods for the determination of PET was compared. Wheather data for Lions River, Pretoria, Rietrivier and Stellenbosch was used in the comparison. The correlation between the methods was good, especially after the initial difference was reduced, by multiplying the Priestley-Taylor method with a constant. The SWB program was used to simulate wheat growth. Data for the growth simulation of cultivar SST86, was supplied by the Institute for Soil, Climate and Water. The comparison between measured and simulated data are relatively good and could be further refmed. Data for use in growth models are at present being accumulated for peanuts, tobacco and maize.

A procedure was developed to estimate optimum irrigation requirements for lowland rice cultivation in Southeast Asia. The procedure uses a water balance equation of semi-stochastic nature to maintain minimum desired water depths in paddy fields at the end of each irrigation period. The procedure estimates weekly pan evaporation (EV) and rainfall (RF) at different probability levels, which is then used to determine weekly irrigation requirements at different probability levels. To illustrate the use of the method, the Kalawewa irrigation scheme in Sri Lanka was selected for demonstration purposes. Different transformations were applied to Rf and EV data in an attempt to normalize these variates and to obtain a unique distribution to describe their variations. Statistical analysis of weekly EV arid RF showed that the power transformation was best able to transform the weekly RF and EV data to normality. Comparison of the use of the model and current system practices showed that a significant amount of water could be saved even when the system was operated at high probability levels (90% reliability). The irrigation water required when the system was operated at the 72% probability level was about 21% less than the amount required when the system was operated at 90% probability level during some weeks. The EXTRAN flow routing model was used to simulate water flow in the upper reaches of the main canal system for varying discharges at the head gate each day. The simulated water depths were used to determine the gate settings required at the turnout structures to divert the desired amount of irrigation water into the turnout areas. The flow simulation for the demonstration area, showed that it was not possible to regulate irrigation water from the main reservoir to meet daily demands at all the turnouts. This was due to the large distances between the regulating reservoir and turnouts that caused appreciable time lag for the flow to reach the turnouts farthest from the regulating reservoir. / Ph. D.

Dentre os fatores que afetam a uniformidade de aplicação de água, cita-se a variação de pressão no sistema, causada principalmente pela topografia do terreno e pela inexistência ou operação inadequada de reguladores de pressão. Nesse sentido, têm-se empregado válvulas reguladoras de pressão nos projetos de irrigação com variações topográficas. Contudo, a pressão de saída na válvula nem sempre será correspondente a apresentada no catálogo do fabricante. Com o avanço da eletrônica e a modernização da agricultura irrigada, justifica-se a busca para o aperfeiçoamento das técnicas de controle de pressão em sistemas de irrigação, visando à redução das perdas e o atendimento dos preceitos da irrigação sustentável. Portanto, a automação de reguladores de pressão deve torná-lo capaz de manter constante a pressão de saída, independente da pressão de entrada, além de possibilitar estabelecer a pressão de saída de acordo com as necessidades específicas de cada sistema de irrigação. De acordo com o que foi exposto, este trabalho teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de um regulador de pressão microprocessado. O sistema de regulação desenvolvido foi composto por uma válvula hidráulica, um transdutor de pressão, duas válvulas solenóides, um aspersor e um circuito microprocessado. Baseado na leitura do transdutor de pressão de saída, o controlador eletrônico acionava as válvulas solenóides para pressurizar ou para aliviar o diafragma da válvula hidráulica. O tempo de abertura da válvula solenóide era função da pressão instantânea na tubulação. Avaliou-se o equipamento atuando até uma diferença entre pressão de entrada e de saída de 250 kPa. As pressões de entrada foram alteradas em intervalos de 49,03 kPa a cada 60 segundos, sendo estas avaliadas em um primeiro momento de forma crescente, e posteriormente de forma decrescente. As pressões de ajuste avaliadas foram de 98,06 kPa, 196,13 kPa, 294,19 kPa e 392,26 kPa. A faixa de vazão avaliada foi de 0,75 m3 h-1 a 3,74 m3 h-1, tendo o respectivo intervalo de velocidade de 0,42 m s-1 a 2,12 m s-1. Os resultados mostraram um tempo de ajuste entre 10 s e 20 s nos ensaios com pressão de entrada crescente e de 15 s e 30 s nos ensaios com pressão de entrada decrescente. Ao se avaliar a atuação do regulador eletrônico operando em toda a faixa de vazão estudada, verifica-se que este foi capaz de manter a pressão ajustada dentro dos limites aceitáveis ao valor estabelecido no dispositivo eletrônico, enquadrando-se, em um contexto geral, como controlador com nível de exatidão A (± 10% de desvio). Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que o controlador, operando nas condições definidas acima, apresentou um bom desempenho ao regular à pressão de saída. / The pressure variation is an important factor that affects the uniformity of water application in irrigation systems. This variation is caused by topography, the lack or improper operation of pressure regulators. Pressure regulating valves have been used in irrigation projects where there are problems of uneven topography. However, the output pressure on the valve will not be always corresponding to the manufacturer\'s catalog. Researches on techniques improvement for pressure controlling in irrigation systems are necessary to reduce losses in accordance with sustainable irrigation. The automation of pressure regulators must assure a constant outlet pressure independent of input pressure, and flexibility to set output pressures according to different conditions. Based on the previous content, the aim of this study was to develop a microprocessed pressure regulator. The developed system has a hydraulic valve, a pressure transducer, two solenoid valves, a sprinkler, and a microprocessed circuit. Based on data gathered from pressure transducer, the electronic controller triggered solenoid valves for pressurizing or relieving the hydraulic valve diaphragm. The opening time of the solenoid valve was a function of the instantaneous pressure in the pipe. We evaluated the operating equipment in a difference up to 250 kPa between input and output pressure. The inlet pressures were tested at intervals of 49.03 kPa every 60 seconds. We performed tests increasing and decreasing inlet pressure. The desired and evaluated output pressures were 98.06, 196.13, 294.19, and 392.26 kPa. The flow rate evaluated range was from 0.75 m3 h-1 to 3.74 m3 h-1, which the respective speed range was from 0.42 m s-1 to 2.12 m s-1. The results presented a required adjustment time between 10 to 20 seconds in tests with increasing inlet pressure, and from 15 to 30 seconds in tests with inlet pressure decreasing. The pressure regulator was able to maintain the preset output pressure within desired limits, when evaluating the performance of the electronic regulator operating in the flow range specified. Considering the results, the electronic developed device can be considered a controller that belongs in accuracy level A (± 10% deviation). Thus, we conclude that the controller was successful on controlling the output pressure, when operating under the conditions defined above.

A methodology was developed to conduct diagnostic performance assessment and simulation of alternative delivery scenarios in pressurized irrigation distribution networks. It consists of three components, an agro-hydrologic model able to forecast peak water demand hydrographs, a hydraulic model with capability of simulating the network behavior under different flow configurations, and a set of performance indicators for conducting assessments of performance achievements relative to specified targets. As a preliminary work, the current delivery schedule of an existing pressurized irrigation network (system 1) and the resulting effects on crop irrigation management were analyzed by simulating soil water balance and irrigation scheduling at field level. Simulations allowed analyzing the on-farm irrigation management under the current rotation deliveries, and comparing it with an alternative flexible irrigation scheduling to maximize crop yields. Results at field level were up-scaled to the entire command area of the system, showing the usefulness of soil water balance and of irrigation scheduling as analytical tools to demonstrate the inconsistency between the current water delivery and crops’ and farmers’ requirements. This preliminary work also allowed highlighting the need for modernizing the irrigation management in the first of the two study areas considered for the present research work (system 1 located in the province of Taranto, southern Italy). An existing agro-hydrological model conceived to forecast water demand hydrographs in pressurized delivery networks was enhanced through several refinements and amendments of the computation algorithms. The refined model was applied for validation at different management levels on an existing pressurized irrigation system (system 2) located in the province of Foggia, southern Italy, where water withdrawals by farmers and the main hydraulic parameters are recorded on a continuous basis for monitoring purposes. Results from validation showed that the model is capable of forecasting with good accuracy the timing of peak-demand periods, the seasonal demand irrigation volumes, as well as the hydrographs of hourly flow rates demanded by farmers during these peak periods, especially when it is applied to large multi-cropped command areas. Performance indicators, originally conceived for diagnostic assessment in canal systems, were modified for application to pressurized distribution networks, and reference standard values were proposed. These indicators were then applied for validation to the second study area (irrigation system 2), where records of water deliveries are available, and showed their usefulness for diagnostic performance assessments.

Orientador: Roberto Testezlaf / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agricola / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-15T18:38:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Mesquita_Marcio_M.pdf: 2438272 bytes, checksum: 82069e6658df10bdc4e42bc8a5723a16 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: Filtros de areia são equipamentos recomendados no tratamento de água de irrigação em sistemas localizados, na presença de materiais orgânicos e inorgânicos. Contudo, o pouco conhecimento disponível na literatura e as informações técnicas dispersas, que não chegam ao produtor, limitam a operação e manutenção desses filtros de forma apropriada às nossas condições de qualidade de água. Buscando contribuir com informações que alterem essa situação, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a influência da granulometria das partículas de areia e da altura do leito filtrante no comportamento hidráulico de três modelos nacionais de filtros de areia com diferentes componentes internos de difusão e de drenagem, utilizando água limpa. Inicialmente, realizou-se um levantamento dos principais equipamentos comercializados no Brasil, identificando a sua origem e caracterizando suas estruturas, componentes e padrões operacionais. Em seguida, foram realizadas visitas técnicas a propriedades rurais, analisando o nível de operacionalidade dos filtros de areia em campo, identificando os principais problemas e possíveis falhas de funcionamento e/ou critérios adotados durante a operação desses equipamentos, utilizando uma metodologia de campo desenvolvida especificamente para esse objetivo. Na etapa experimental, caracterizaram-se fisicamente três amostras de areia pertencentes a diferentes intervalos granulométricos, que foram utilizadas na caracterização hidráulica dos filtros. Essa caracterização constituiu-se na determinação da perda de carga em função da taxa de filtração para a condição de filtros vazios e para três alturas de leito filtrante. Finalizando, realizou-se a validação de um modelo matemático que explicasse o comportamento físico da presença dos difusores e drenos no processo de filtragem para os equipamentos avaliados. O levantamento realizado demonstrou que os filtros comercializados no Brasil apresentam diferentes projetos de componentes ou partes internas, com poucas informações sobre o seu dimensionamento e também para a sua operação. As visitas técnicas aos produtores rurais detectaram o pouco conhecimento que estes possuíam sobre a operação de filtragem e retrolavagem em filtros de areia. Os resultados experimentais obtidos demonstraram que a variação da perda de carga é inversamente proporcional ao diâmetro efetivo dos grãos de areia e diretamente proporcional à altura da camada filtrante. Adicionalmente, verificou-se que o tipo de componentes internos interage diferentemente com a granulometria e altura da camada filtrante, modificando as características hidráulicas de operação dos filtros. O modelo matemático composto, H¿ = (ßo.eQ. ß1) + [?L. (aFV + ßF V2)], explicou adequadamente a variabilidade do comportamento hidráulico dos filtros avaliados com a presença dos seus diferentes componentes internos / Abstract: Sand filters are recommended for water treatment in localized irrigation systems in the presence of organic and inorganic materials. However, due to the little knowledge available on literature and scattered technical information, which do not reach the farmers, there are some limitation in the operation and maintenance of these filters appropriated to our water quality conditions. In search of contributing to understand this problem, this study had the objective to evaluate the influence of sand particles size distribution and the media layer depth on the hydraulic behavior of three national models of sand filters with different internal components of diffusion plate and drainage outlets, using clean water. Initially, it was performed a survey of the major equipment brands traded in Brazil, identifying their origin and characterizing their structures, components and operating standards. In a second step, technical visits were done to farms, examining sand filters operation level in the field, identifying the main problems and possible malfunctions and/or the operation criteria used in such equipments, using a field methodology developed specifically for this purpose. In the experimental lab phase, three samples of sand belonging to different grain size distribution intervals were physically characterized to be used in the trials. Using these samples, it were performed the hydraulic characterization of three models of national commercial brands of sand filters, determining the head loss in function of the filtration rate for the following conditions: empty filters and for three media layer depths. Finally, it was developed a validation procedure of a mathematical model to explain the physical behavior of the diffusion plates and drains types on filtering process for the sand filters tested. The survey showed that the filters sold in Brazil have different designs of components and internal parts, with little information about its drawing and field operation. The technical visits to the farmers found that they had little knowledge about the filtration and backwash operations. The experimental results demonstrated that the head loss variation is inversely proportional to the sand grains effective diameter and directly proportional to the media layer depth. Additionally, it was verified that the internal filter parts interact differently to the particle size and the filter layer depth modifying the hydraulic operation. The proposed composed mathematical model: H¿ = (ßo.eQ. ß1) + [?L. (aFV + ßF V2)], adequately explained the variability of filter hydraulic behaviors considering the presence of theirs internal parts / Mestrado / Agua e Solo / Mestre em Engenharia Agrícola