10. Field performance and evaluation

Abstract

A micro-irrigation system is defined as a localized irrigation system that can deliver water directly into the crop root zone. The system, if properly designed, can eliminate surface runoff and minimize deep percolation. In addition, both high uniformity of water application and high irrigation application efficiency can be achieved. A micro-irrigation system is designed based on the uniformity of water application with respect to the crops in the field. There are two types of micro-irrigation uniformity considerations; one is the system uniformity and the other is the spatial uniformity in the field. Historically, the development of micro-irrigation in the late 1960s marked a period of tremendous improvement in irrigation science and technology and resulted in more efficient water use in agricultural production. Micro-irrigation will play an even greater role in the future with the increasing significance of limited water resources and the increasing need for environmental protection. The key factors in future agricultural production are micro-irrigation system operation, irrigation scheduling, crop response, and economic considerations. Micro-irrigation can be used for all kinds of agricultural production, ranging from trees, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, pastures, and a variety of commodity-type crops.