New irrigation systems design for improving irrigation efficiencies and enhancing energy conservation

A new concept in irrigation system design, which has the potential of significant savings in both water and energy requirements, has been developed and evaluated. The system is characterized by and has been labeled a low energy precision application (LEPA) system, which rather than spraying water into the air at moderate to high pressures, distributes it directly to the furrow at very low pressure through drop tubes and orifice controlled emitters. This occurs as the system continuously moves through the field in a rectilinear fashion. The system is used in conjunction with micro-basin land preparation designed to optimize the utilization of rainfall. The combined system minimizes the effect of soil and climatic variables which adversely influence furrow and sprinkler irrigation efficiencies. Significant savings of both water and energy resources are indicated from results of the testing to date. Operating pressure of the LEPA system is projected to range from 4.5 to 22 psi depending on length of system and flow rate. Distribution uniformities of 95 to 96% are also projected. Application efficiencies above 98% should be consistently possible. A 10% increase in rainfall retention is reported herein. However, the basin tillage aspect of the method offers potential savings much highermore » than this. Energy savings of 0.024 quad per year were estimated with conversion of present irrigation methods to LEPA irrigation.« less