Microirrigation Systems for Vineyards
(book excerpts)Efficient water management is crucial for sustainable agriculture. One of the most effective methods to achieve this is through microirrigation. Microirrigation is a system that delivers water at low pressure and low volume directly to the root zone of plants. Several types of microirrigation systems deliver water to plants by emitters—drip and micro-sprinkler systems—each with unique features and applications. Drip irrigation, also called trickle irrigation, delivers one water droplet at a time or a very small stream of water to plants. Micro-sprinkler irrigation, also called micro-spray irrigation, delivers small amounts of water in a fine mist to plants. Microirrigation is arguably the most efficient irrigation method for vineyards, as it minimizes runoff and evaporation, allowing water and nutrients to be applied directly to the root zone. Irrigation scheduling can be precisely managed to meet grapevine demands, promising increased yield and improved fruit quality. Microirrigation is known for its flexibility. Each system is custom-designed to meet the specific needs of the vineyard, ensuring optimal moisture at the plant’s root zone. Since they apply water directly to a plant’s roots, minimal water is wasted, and drip systems can achieve up to 95 percent uniformity. Microirrigation reduces water contact with grapevines’ leaves, stems, and berries. Thus, conditions may be less favorable for disease development. These systems are therefore ideal for areas prone to drought. Moreover, these systems can last up to 20 years if properly maintained. Unfortunately, these systems require a lot of maintenance and are easily damaged. Since emitters are so small, they are susceptible to clogging, even at mineral concentrations as low as 0.1 ppm, making it necessary to analyze and treat the water entering the system. Identifying clogged emitters can also be time-consuming and challenging. These systems should be flushed periodically, their filters cleaned frequently, and pressure gauges checked regularly to ensure the system is running correctly and there is no buildup
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Topics Within This Chapter:
- Types of Microirrigation Systems
- Drip Irrigation Systems
- Micro-Sprinkler Systems
- Microirrigation System Components
- Pumping Station
- Main, Submain, Manifolds, and Laterals
- Main Lines and Submains
- Manifolds
- Laterals
- Flow Control Devices
- Control Valves
- Pressure Gauges
- Water Flow Meters
- Propeller Flow Meter
- Magnetic Flow Meter
- Emitters
- Point-Source Emitters
- Line-Source Emitters
- Micro-Sprinklers
- Fertigation-Chemigation Systems
- Irrigation System Controllers
- Basic Control Strategies
- Open Control Loop Systems
- Closed Control Loop Systems
- Timer-Based Control Systems
- Electromechanical Controllers
- Electronic Controllers
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- Computer-Based Control Systems
- Fuzzy Logic Control for Irrigation
- Filtration Systems
- Centrifugal Sand Separators
- Sand Media Filters
- Disc Filters
- Screen Filters
- Arrangement of Irrigation Filters
- Water Quality for Microirrigation Systems
- Water Quality Analysis
- Physical Properties
- Chemical Properties
- Calcium Carbonate (lime scale)
- Iron and Manganese
- Biological Properties
- Maintenance of Microirrigation Systems
- Filter Maintenance
- Screen Filters
- Sand Media Filters
- Flushing the Main Lines, Submains, and Laterals
- Chemical Injection for System Maintenance
- Chlorination Treatment
- Acid Treatment
- Groundwater Wells
- Backflow Prevention
- Pressure Tanks
- Pumps
- Centrifugal Pumps
- Deep-Well Vertical Turbine Pumps
- Submersible Pumps
- Power Units for Pumping Water
- Electric Motors
- Internal Combustion Engines
- Selecting a Well Pump
- Estimating Total Irrigation Flow Rate
- Total Dynamic Head
- Total Static Head
- Well Drawdown
- Operating Head
- Friction Loss
- Velocity Head
- Suction Head
- Pump Power Requirements
- Pump Efficiency
- Reading a Pump Curve
- Variable Frequency Drives
- VFD Soft-Start Capability
- Monitoring Capability of VFDs
