Feasibility of Gravity Fed Drip Irrigation System In Kiwi Crop Under Hilly Terrace Condition
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Date
2018
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Publisher
SKUAST Kashmir
Abstract
The Present investigation was carried out at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir Research Farm in Kiwi plantations during April to September, 2015. The experiment was laid with the objective to study the discharge rate, uniformity coefficient, distribution uniformity as influenced by distance of emitters from sub main as various pressures of 1.0, 1.25 and 1.6 kg/cm2 and moisture depletion. The emitter discharge showed increasing trend along lateral but at the middle section of the lateral show a decrease in the volumes as compared to their succeeding emitters nearer to the tail end. This is anticipated because the end plugs cause back pressure that results in higher discharge in the emitters located near the end plugs. The maximum discharge rate was found at pressure 1.6 kg/cm2 of lateral length of 25.17 m. The uniformity coefficient of the installed gravity fed drip irrigation system was found in the range of 58.85-94.55 percent. The distribution uniformity of the system varied in the range of 30.24-95.23 percent. The uniformity coefficient and distribution uniformity computed at different pressure revealed that uniformity coefficient as well as distribution uniformity were maximum at pressure 1.25 kg/cm2 and lateral length of 25.17 m. At pressure 1.6 kg/cm2 the value of uniformity coefficient as well as distribution uniformity was observed to be in category “Good” in lateral of 25.17 m as per ASAE standards. It was further observed that coefficient of variation decreased with increase the pressures. The Soil moisture depletion at different depth was determined using soil moisture sensors and was related to soil matric potential. The soil moisture depletion, showed somewhat varying trends with soil depth during the crop period. In the upper part of the root zone where root density is high, moisture depletes very fast, where as in the lower part of the root zone sufficient moisture for the plant is continuously available. Maximum moisture depletion was seen in the 45 cm layer of the soil. The moisture depletion in the root zone showed non-linear trend during whole crop period.
Description
M.Tech thesis submitted to SKUAST Kashmir
Keywords
Drip Irrigation, Discharge of emitters, Watermark sensor, Agricultural Engineering