Comparing Drag Hoses Verses Sprinklers on Corn Irrigated by a Center Pivot

Abstract

Precision mobile drip irrigation (PMDI) refers to a center pivot irrigation system equipped with drip lines that distribute water as drag hoses in place of spray nozzles. The PMDI system could increase irrigation efficiency by reducing irrigation evaporative losses, reducing runoff potential, and help reduce wheel track rutting problems. A study was conducted on a standard sized center pivot system in Sheridan County, Kansas with randomized plots within a farmer field watered either by a PMDI system or an in-canopy spray nozzle method that is common to the area. Yield and individual line and nozzle discharge measurements were taken. No yield differences were noted between the application methods. Although the water supplied to the system was filtered, the PMDI appeared to experience decreased water flow due to emitter clogging during the course of the study. When accounting for the decrease in flow for the PMDI, this method actually experienced higher water use efficiency values then did the spray nozzles. However, the possible clogging of this PMDI system would make implementation on large acreage potentially problematic.