EVALUATION OF THE APPLICATION UNIFORMITY OF SUBSURFACE DRIP DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

The goal of this research was to evaluate the application uniformity of subsurface drip distribution systems. Laboratory measured flow rates were determined for emitters from three separate lateral lines at three locations in Central Texas. Mean emitter flow rate was 2.34, 2.40, and 1.89 L/hr for sites A, B, and C, respectively under laboratory conditions. Uniformity varied widely within individual laterals and between sites. Sites A and C had unacceptable uniformity of wastewater and Site B had fair to good uniformity. Differences are probably attributed to lack of normal operating pressures in the drip laterals at Sites A and C. These low operating pressures might be attributed to design and/or installation problems.