Optimal number and discharge rate of emitters for coconut palm in sandy loam soil
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Date
2000
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Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur
Abstract
AgricullurClI productivity is based on the availability of required water at
proper time. As water is becoming Cl limited resource its efficient utilization is very
essential. The distribution of rainfall in Kcrala is not adequate to meet the total
welter requirement of coconut. Coconut in Kerala are mostly grown in sandy soils
which has a poor water holding capacity. So drip irrigation is the best method of
irriqation for coconut in this soil. The efficient design of drip irrigation system
involves the optimal spacing of emitters, correct discharge rate anr' duration of
inigc\lion based on the movement of soil moisture front. So the study of moisture
distribution pattern under chip irriU(ltion is helpful in deciding optimum number and
discharge rate of emitters and duration of irriqation required for coconut palms
The study was conducted in the river side coconut gc)rdr.n of the
instruclional Farm, I~CAET, TaVilrH1I. The size of the plot was 28x63m. The soil
properties viz texture. bulk dcn-itv. infiltration rate, field capacity. hydraulic
conductivity and permanent \vi!;JI1q point were observed. The drip system was
installed in the fielc! Two different c!ischarge rates (4 and 8lph) and three
f
combination of number of emitters (3,<'1 & 6) were selected for the study. The
maximum vertical and horizontal advance of soil moisture front for both the
discharge rates (4 and 8 Iph) were noted. Empirical equations were also developed
for both vertical and horizontal advance. The soil moisture contents were
determined at different horizontal anc! vertical distances from the emitter, before
irriqation, 1 hour, 24 hours and 3 days after irrigation by gravimetric method. The
soil moisture contour maps were plotted and the moisture distribution efficiency
was calculated for each treatment at all depths.
The maximum vertical and horizontal advance was observed for 8 lph
emitter compared to 4 Iph emitter. The welting front from a single emitter produced
C\ bulb like \Netting pattern for both the discharges. The size of the wetting bulb
increased with increase in discharge rate. The study revealed that 4 numbers of 8
Iph emitters give more uniform distribution compared to all the other treatments.
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Citation
171745