ENGLISH

Get Set Up For Surface & Sub-Surface (SDI) Drip Irrigation Success!

Setting up a drip irrigation system requires careful, thoughtful planning and meticulous execution. In many regions, Rivulis engineers handle the process of designing and providing a system plan that meets the specific needs of your farm.

Each farm is unique, with varying water sources, crop types, and soil conditions, all of which need to be considered. A well-designed system tailored to your specific environment will help ensure the most efficient and successful irrigation system, but it requires an understanding of your farm’s infrastructure and long-term crop rotations.

Follow these steps to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and implement a system that will meet your irrigation needs, enhance crop yields, save water, and optimize resource use.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Assess Your Water Source and Requirements

It’s important to assess the water source and understand the water needs of your crops. The type of crops you are growing, the climate, and the water quality will influence your system design.

  • Water Source: Determine if you’re using well water or surface water supply. Each has different filtration and water treatment requirements and flow rate constraints.
  • Water Quality: Check for sediment, hardness, or other contaminants that may impact your system. (Chemical and physical lab testing is recommended.)
Calculate Your Water Requirements

Crop type, soil texture, and environmental and weather factors (like temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation) will affect plant water requirements.

Steps to calculate water needs:

  • Crop Water Requirement: Use crop-specific water consumption data [crop coefficient (Kc) multiplied by evapotranspiration (ET)], to estimate how much water your crops need at maximum consumption per day.
  • Soil Moisture: Evaluate your soil’s water holding capacity, as this will affect the irrigation schedule. System Efficiency: Factor in the efficiency of your irrigation system.
  • Drip irrigation typically has high efficiency (90–95%).

This will help you size your irrigation system appropriately and plan for the correct flow rate, pressure, and number of emitters and spacing.

Design Your Drip Irrigation System

With water requirements and availability in mind, the next step is to design your drip irrigation system. This involves selecting components, calculating system size, and determining layout.

Key components of a drip system: [use key components image on Image Relay]

  • Main Line: The primary pipeline that carries water from the source to the distribution lines.
  • Filters: These are essential for removing impurities like dirt, sand, or organic matter that can clog emitters.
  • Submains: Pipes that carry the water from the primary pipeline to the laterals.
  • Pressure Reducing Valves: These ensure on/off control and consistent, low-pressure water delivery to the system.
  • Emitters: The devices that release water to plants which for row-crops is often Rivulis T-Tape or Rivuils D5000 AS.
  • Valves and Controllers: Automated systems allow for precise control over irrigation schedules and flow rates.

Design Considerations:

  • Field Layout: Ensure the layout of pipes and emitters matches the soil type and crop plant row configurations.
  • Flow Rate and spacing: Match the flow rate and spacing of emitters to the water needs of your crops.
  • Zoning: If your field has varying crop types or soil types, create zones with separate irrigation schedules.
Install the System

Once your design is finalized, it’s time to install the system. Installation is a crucial step that requires precision and attention to detail. A poor installation can lead to water wastage, inefficient irrigation, or system failures.

Installation steps:

  • Prepare the Site: Clear the area where the irrigation system will be installed. Remove any debris or obstructions that could hinder installation.
  • Lay the Main Line: Run the main line from your water source to the field or growing area.
  • Install the pump and head control with filters, fertigation, pressure regulators and flow meter: These should be placed as close to the water source as possible to ensure clean water enters the system at the right pressure.
  • Install Drip Lines or Tapes: Lay out the distribution tubing along the rows of crops. Ensure that the pipes are free of kinks and obstructions.
  • Connect Valves and Controllers: Install automated valves and controllers for efficient water scheduling.
  • For deep SDI, collector pipes (with flushing manifolds connected to the ends of the laterals) are also recommended for flushing the drip lines, as per the design.
Test the System

After installation flush all lines and, conduct a thorough test of the system to ensure everything is working as expected. During testing, check for leaks, clogs, or uneven water distribution. Test system before closing trenches

Key tests to perform:

  • Flow Rate Monitoring: check and monitor flow rate
  • Pressure Test: Confirm that water pressure is within the optimal range for your system design .
  • Check for clogs or leaking: Look for any blockages in emitters or filters and clean or replace as needed.
Monitor and Maintain the System

Ongoing monitoring and maintenance are critical to the long-term success of your drip irrigation system. Regular checks and maintenance will help ensure that the system continues to function efficiently.

Maintenance tasks:

  • Inspect for Clogs: Periodically check emitters for blockages and undertake chemical treatments as necessary – for SDI random testing lateral end pressure and flow rates
  • Flush the System: Flush the system regularly to remove debris or mineral buildup.
  • Check Filters and Valves: Periodically clean filters and ensure valves are working properly to maintain consistent water flow.
  • Monitor Water Usage: Keep track of water consumption to detect any issues like overwatering or leaks.
Optimize Your Irrigation Practices

Once your system is up and running, optimize it for maximum efficiency. This may involve adjusting the watering schedule based on weather conditions, soil moisture, or crop growth stages.

Optimization tip: Use soil moisture sensors to monitor root-zone moisture and avoid over-irrigating.

A well-designed drip system can save water, reduce labor, improve crop yield, and enhance sustainability. By following these steps and continuously optimizing your system, you can achieve greater efficiency and profitability in your agricultural operations.

It’s important to assess the water source and understand the water needs of your crops. The type of crops you are growing, the climate, and the water quality will influence your system design.

  • Water Source: Determine if you’re using well water or surface water supply. Each has different filtration and water treatment requirements and flow rate constraints.
  • Water Quality: Check for sediment, hardness, or other contaminants that may impact your system. (Chemical and physical lab testing is recommended.)

Crop type, soil texture, and environmental and weather factors (like temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation) will affect plant water requirements.

Steps to calculate water needs:

  • Crop Water Requirement: Use crop-specific water consumption data [crop coefficient (Kc) multiplied by evapotranspiration (ET)], to estimate how much water your crops need at maximum consumption per day.
  • Soil Moisture: Evaluate your soil’s water holding capacity, as this will affect the irrigation schedule. System Efficiency: Factor in the efficiency of your irrigation system.
  • Drip irrigation typically has high efficiency (90–95%).

This will help you size your irrigation system appropriately and plan for the correct flow rate, pressure, and number of emitters and spacing.

With water requirements and availability in mind, the next step is to design your drip irrigation system. This involves selecting components, calculating system size, and determining layout.

Key components of a drip system: [use key components image on Image Relay]

  • Main Line: The primary pipeline that carries water from the source to the distribution lines.
  • Filters: These are essential for removing impurities like dirt, sand, or organic matter that can clog emitters.
  • Submains: Pipes that carry the water from the primary pipeline to the laterals.
  • Pressure Reducing Valves: These ensure on/off control and consistent, low-pressure water delivery to the system.
  • Emitters: The devices that release water to plants which for row-crops is often Rivulis T-Tape or Rivuils D5000 AS.
  • Valves and Controllers: Automated systems allow for precise control over irrigation schedules and flow rates.

Design Considerations:

  • Field Layout: Ensure the layout of pipes and emitters matches the soil type and crop plant row configurations.
  • Flow Rate and spacing: Match the flow rate and spacing of emitters to the water needs of your crops.
  • Zoning: If your field has varying crop types or soil types, create zones with separate irrigation schedules.

Once your design is finalized, it’s time to install the system. Installation is a crucial step that requires precision and attention to detail. A poor installation can lead to water wastage, inefficient irrigation, or system failures.

Installation steps:

  • Prepare the Site: Clear the area where the irrigation system will be installed. Remove any debris or obstructions that could hinder installation.
  • Lay the Main Line: Run the main line from your water source to the field or growing area.
  • Install the pump and head control with filters, fertigation, pressure regulators and flow meter: These should be placed as close to the water source as possible to ensure clean water enters the system at the right pressure.
  • Install Drip Lines or Tapes: Lay out the distribution tubing along the rows of crops. Ensure that the pipes are free of kinks and obstructions.
  • Connect Valves and Controllers: Install automated valves and controllers for efficient water scheduling.
  • For deep SDI, collector pipes (with flushing manifolds connected to the ends of the laterals) are also recommended for flushing the drip lines, as per the design.

After installation flush all lines and, conduct a thorough test of the system to ensure everything is working as expected. During testing, check for leaks, clogs, or uneven water distribution. Test system before closing trenches

Key tests to perform:

  • Flow Rate Monitoring: check and monitor flow rate
  • Pressure Test: Confirm that water pressure is within the optimal range for your system design .
  • Check for clogs or leaking: Look for any blockages in emitters or filters and clean or replace as needed.

Ongoing monitoring and maintenance are critical to the long-term success of your drip irrigation system. Regular checks and maintenance will help ensure that the system continues to function efficiently.

Maintenance tasks:

  • Inspect for Clogs: Periodically check emitters for blockages and undertake chemical treatments as necessary – for SDI random testing lateral end pressure and flow rates
  • Flush the System: Flush the system regularly to remove debris or mineral buildup.
  • Check Filters and Valves: Periodically clean filters and ensure valves are working properly to maintain consistent water flow.
  • Monitor Water Usage: Keep track of water consumption to detect any issues like overwatering or leaks.

Once your system is up and running, optimize it for maximum efficiency. This may involve adjusting the watering schedule based on weather conditions, soil moisture, or crop growth stages.

Optimization tip: Use soil moisture sensors to monitor root-zone moisture and avoid over-irrigating.

A well-designed drip system can save water, reduce labor, improve crop yield, and enhance sustainability. By following these steps and continuously optimizing your system, you can achieve greater efficiency and profitability in your agricultural operations.