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Effect of the start–stop cycle of center-pivot towers on irrigation performance: Experiments and simulations

Author

Listed:
  • Ouazaa, S.
  • Latorre, B.
  • Burguete, J.
  • Serreta, A.
  • Playán, E.
  • Salvador, R.
  • Paniagua, P.
  • Zapata, N.

Abstract

The simulation of center-pivot performance has been the subject of research efforts since the 1960s. Center-pivot models frequently use empirical equations relating pressure and sprinkler radial application pattern. Individual, stationary water application patterns are overlapped and the resulting water application is mapped in the field. Such models use constant tower angular velocity, neglecting the effect of tower alignment. In this work the discontinuous tower movement has been experimentally characterized and modelled, and a complete model has been developed by using a ballistic model of the center-pivot sprinklers considering nozzle diameter, operating pressure and wind speed. A detailed kinetic analysis of a four-tower commercial center-pivot was performed. Each tower was monitored using a high precision GPS, recording tower positions at high frequency. The experimental center-pivot was equipped with fixed spray plate sprinklers (FSPS). Five experimental center-pivot irrigation events were evaluated using catch-cans. The analysis of tower location data permitted to conclude that two key variables (linear speed and switching angle) showed normal distribution patterns. The center-pivot model was validated with catch-can data. Finally, the simulation tool was used to assess the effect of variable tower alignment quality, center-pivot travel speed and wind conditions on irrigation performance. Comparisons were performed in terms of radial, circular and total irrigation uniformity. Results indicate that the observed tower dynamics had no measurable effect on irrigation uniformity. Tower alignment quality started to be relevant when the switching angle lag was equal to or larger than 2°. In the conditions of this analysis, wind speed showed a clear effect on uniformity. As wind speed increased, uniformity first decreased and then increased. Further research is required to generalize these results to other center-pivot sizes and designs (sprinkler packages).

Suggested Citation

  • Ouazaa, S. & Latorre, B. & Burguete, J. & Serreta, A. & Playán, E. & Salvador, R. & Paniagua, P. & Zapata, N., 2015. "Effect of the start–stop cycle of center-pivot towers on irrigation performance: Experiments and simulations," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 163-174.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:147:y:2015:i:c:p:163-174
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2014.05.013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Playan, E. & Salvador, R. & Faci, J.M. & Zapata, N. & Martinez-Cob, A. & Sanchez, I., 2005. "Day and night wind drift and evaporation losses in sprinkler solid-sets and moving laterals," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 76(3), pages 139-159, August.
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    1. Ouazaa, S. & Latorre, B. & Burguete, J. & Zapata, N., 2016. "Effect of intra-irrigation meteorological variability on seasonal center-pivot irrigation performance and corn yield," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 201-214.
    2. Yan Li & Derong Su, 2017. "Alfalfa Water Use and Yield under Different Sprinkler Irrigation Regimes in North Arid Regions of China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-15, August.
    3. Pereira, Luis S. & Paredes, Paula & Rodrigues, Gonçalo C. & Neves, Manuela, 2015. "Modeling malt barley water use and evapotranspiration partitioning in two contrasting rainfall years. Assessing AquaCrop and SIMDualKc models," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 239-254.
    4. Hui, Xin & Lin, Xueji & Zhao, Yue & Xue, Mengyun & Zhuo, Yue & Guo, Hui & Xu, Yuncheng & Yan, Haijun, 2022. "Assessing water distribution characteristics of a variable-rate irrigation system," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).

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