Movable Surface Irrigation SystemDesign

Abstract

Center pivot modification depends on replacing the sprinkler head (sprayer) by polyethylene hoses ending by nozzles. Field experiments were conducted at the experimental farm of Faculty of Agriculture, in Shams University, to modify sprinkler pivot to work as a moving surface irrigation system. Two different nozzles shapes were selected (trapezoid and triangle) with two different hoses length (25 and 200 cm). Pilot area was divided into two halves, the first was straight furrow, while the second was furrow as well as concentrated with track of pivot wheel, and planted maize. The main objectives of this study are to modify pivot irrigation system to be more suitable to irrigate trees, and other crops under special conditions, to evaluate the modification system and to reduce the investment costs of the modified system. Results show that, operating the Movable Surface Irrigation System.(MSIS) at low pressure head (1.5 bar), water amount was decreased by (16.8%), the uniformity coefficient for triangle form was 91.6%,pulled hoses (200cm) were better than the short hoses, on the other hand, water use efficiency (WUE) with Movable Surface Irrigation System. system was (2.5 kg/m 3 ) while it was (1.84 kg/m 3 ) with sprinkler pivot system and the Movable Surface Irrigation System. system reduced the hazard of chemigation. The investment cost of the modified system was reduced as compared with traditional system with little energy required for the Movable Surface Irrigation System. system. There's no significant difference between the two methods of furrow on grain yield of maize.