Planning of Linear Move Irrigation Systems
Abstract
This study was conducted to examine the planning stages of linear moving sprinkler irrigation systems, whose use has been increasing day by day in our country and especially in the Konya region, and addresses them with the aim of ensuring that the systems are planned properly. Proper planning and use of linear move irrigation systems in accordance with their technical specifications are considered important for ensuring the expected benefits from the system and contributing to the efficient use of water resources in the region. In the study, sample planning was carried out for fields of 10, 12.5, and 15 ha and optimal maximum system speeds were determined by identifying appropriate head flow rates. The calculations showed that the systems could apply 2.2 to 65.7 mm of irrigation water per hour at different advance speeds. These values increased as the travel speed of the system decreased, and conversely, they diminished at higher travel speeds. As a result of the calculations, the sprinkling rates at the optimal advance rates of the systems varied between 12.6-14.5 mm h-1. In summary, it was concluded that when planning systems, the infiltration rate of the soil should be taken into account when determining the nozzle diameter of the heads to be used and the advance speeds to be applied, and that the head flow rate and advance speeds of linear moving irrigation systems should be optimized according to these values. Furthermore, considering the initial investment costs of the sample systems, it was observed that the costs per unit area of locally produced systems were approximately 40% cheaper than their imported counterparts. In this regard, it was determined that choosing domestically manufactured systems would be economically more advantageous for agricultural enterprises.