Articles
CENTRE PIVOT IRRIGATORS: TRAPS FOR OPERATORS AND INSTALLERS
Article number
792_73
Pages
617 – 622
Language
English
Abstract
Centre pivot irrigators are used in the production of vegetable and other horticultural crops on a relatively large field scale.
As for any irrigation system, the performance will affect the productivity of the enterprise.
If the irrigator is not delivering the expected amount of water, or delivers it with excessive variability, the yield will suffer.
Twenty three centre pivots were evaluated for application per pass and uniformity by a catch can test, 17 of these had the application results compared to their control panel indication, 19 were checked for emitter flow rate by measuring the time taken to fill a known volume, and 17 were checked for centre operating pressure by reading installed pressure gauges.
The results show that a large number of centre pivot irrigators have problems arising from design and component selection and installation. 100% had measured applications lower than the control panel indication, 91% did not meet uniformity standards, 68% did not meet flow rate standards, and 65% did not meet pressure standards.
These problems have implications for those who install these machines and for those who operate them.
We suggest a performance clause be included in the sale contract.
As for any irrigation system, the performance will affect the productivity of the enterprise.
If the irrigator is not delivering the expected amount of water, or delivers it with excessive variability, the yield will suffer.
Twenty three centre pivots were evaluated for application per pass and uniformity by a catch can test, 17 of these had the application results compared to their control panel indication, 19 were checked for emitter flow rate by measuring the time taken to fill a known volume, and 17 were checked for centre operating pressure by reading installed pressure gauges.
The results show that a large number of centre pivot irrigators have problems arising from design and component selection and installation. 100% had measured applications lower than the control panel indication, 91% did not meet uniformity standards, 68% did not meet flow rate standards, and 65% did not meet pressure standards.
These problems have implications for those who install these machines and for those who operate them.
We suggest a performance clause be included in the sale contract.
Authors
P. Smith, M. Jessen
Keywords
centre pivot, irrigation field evaluation
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