In modern agriculture, the application of automated irrigation systems has become very common. These systems not only increase crop yields but also reduce the burden on farmers. However, a key question is how to define the control area of the automated irrigation system.
When determining the control area of an automated irrigation system, you first need to conduct a comprehensive analysis of irrigation needs. This includes considering factors such as soil type, crop species, climate conditions, and more. Different crops and soils require different amounts of moisture, so these factors must be fully considered when defining control areas.
The controllable area of an automated irrigation system is mainly defined based on the water supply volume (or well water output), that is, the farmland area where the water supply can meet the irrigation demand within an irrigation cycle.
The water source is a motorized well, and the available flow is the well water output. The maximum possible irrigation area can be determined based on the motorized well water output. For example, the designed irrigation quota is 300m/hm, each irrigation cycle is 10 d, and the daily irrigation hours are 10 h. The effective utilization coefficient of irrigation water is calculated as 90%. The control area of a single well is: the well water output is 60~100m/h, the single well control area is 18~30hm; the well water output is 4060 m/h, the single well control area is 12~18hm; The water volume is 20~40m/h, the single well control area is 6~12 hm, the well water output is 10~20m/h, and the single well control area is 3~6 hm.
Another key factor is water availability. In some areas, water resources may be very limited, so the irrigated area needs to be controlled more precisely to make full use of the limited water resources. This requires comprehensive consideration of the water supply situation when defining the control area.
When the water source is a river, pond, or canal, factors such as water source volume and economic conditions should be considered to determine the irrigation area.
Regarding the irrigation scale of a single project, for current surface water drip irrigation projects, the irrigation area controlled by a head system is generally 33 to 200 hm’. The more economical and reasonable area of a single project is 33~100 hm, and should not exceed 200 hm’, and most of them irrigate a single crop.
Modern automated irrigation systems are often subject to technical limitations. Different systems have different coverage and control capabilities. In addition, the cost of installing and maintaining the system is also a factor to consider. When determining the control area, technical limitations and cost factors must be taken into account in order to select the most economical and appropriate option
Under normal circumstances, the drip irrigation system adopts rotation irrigation, and the control area of the irrigation plot is generally 0.33~1.33hm2. A rotation irrigation group includes 2 to 4 rotation irrigation plots, and a drip irrigation port system has about 20 rotation irrigation groups.
The definition of the control area of an automated irrigation system is a complex issue that requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors. When determining control areas, a comprehensive needs analysis must be conducted, taking into account water availability, technical constraints, and cost factors, as well as land use planning. Only after taking all these factors into consideration, can the most reasonable and economical automated irrigation system control area be formulated.
Q1: What crops is the automated irrigation system suitable for?
A1: The automated irrigation system is suitable for various crops, including crops such as rice, wheat, and corn, as well as special crops such as fruit trees and vegetables.
Q2: Is the installation cost of an automated irrigation system high?
A2: Installation costs for automated irrigation systems vary based on system type and square footage. Generally speaking, systems for larger areas will be relatively more expensive, but they can reduce irrigation costs in the long term.
Q3: Does the definition of irrigation area need to change according to seasons?
A3: Yes, the definition of irrigated area usually needs to be adjusted according to seasonal changes. Crops have different growth water requirements in different seasons, so they need to be dynamically adjusted according to seasonal changes.
Q4: What impact does an automated irrigation system have on the environment?
A4: Automated irrigation systems often deliver water more accurately, reducing the possibility of over-irrigation and helping to conserve water while also reducing the risk of soil erosion and water contamination.
Q5: How to choose a suitable automated irrigation system?
A5: Selecting a suitable automated irrigation system requires consideration of crop type, land use planning, water availability, and other factors. It is best to consult with a professional agricultural technician to choose the appropriate system for your specific situation.
