A typical low volume irrigation system consists of :-

A) WATER SOURCE

This is typically a bore well, a river, a pond or any other. The quality of the water coming in is most important and a test has to be made at outset to determine its suitability for irrigation. The source should be able to supply adequate quantity OF water at the appropriate pressure for the micro irrigation system. If the pressure is not adequate then booster pumps may have to be installed. The pumping station is therefore the start of any irrigation system.

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B) MAIN CONTROL SYSTEM

This consists of Monitoring components of the system include an irrigation controller, pressure gauges, tensiometers and a flow meter. The control components include pressure and flow regulators, control valves and flow control valves. The more advanced systems also include at this point the computer for control of the irrigation system in which as aforesaid high levels of sophistication are possible.

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C) FERTILIZER INJECTION SYSTEMS.

Chemical tanks and injection equipment are an integral part any drip system. Control of organic growth may require injection of chemicals (such as chlorine) to inhibit the growth. These also provide an efficient means of applying fertilizers (except phosphorus) through the irrigation water. Application of fertilizers directly to the plant through the system is one of the most desirable features of this type of irrigation system. The units can consist of simple venturis, electric control pumps and also hydraulically driven proportional liquid dispensers.

Details of the working of these can be had from the section on water treatment.

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D) FILTRATION SYSTEMS

Filtration in micro irrigation systems is an absolute necessity. These systems are susceptible to clogging from suspended inorganic particles (usually sand or silt) and from organic materials (algae) which may flow within the system. If a system becomes clogged its performance is seriously degraded, so precautions must be taken to ensure that it does not clog. Filters are either of a screen type or media (such as sand bed) type and may be manually or automatically cleaned. The selection of a filtering system depends upon the type of emitter used and the quality of the water. A system often will have more than one filter.

Details of various filter types can be had from the section on water treatment.

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E) WATER SUPPLY NETWORK

These include the pipe network that delivers the water from the pumping and filtration station to the inlet of the valves at the start of each irrigation block. These are normally made of steel, asbestos cement or PVC though PVC is the most commonly used material. These have relatively large diameters as compared to the irrigation pipes and are laid under ground to prevent damage and to permit movement of agricultural vehicles above them.

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F) SECONDARY CONTROL SYSTEMS

These are located at the head of every irrigation block and include on off switches, pressure reducing valves, secondary filtration units and pressure and flow control valves and meters.

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G) IRRIGATION PIPES

The main lines connect to the submain lines and then to the manifolds, which in turn connect the principal irrigation pipes called laterals. Lateral hoses deliver the water to the emitters and are usually placed along the plant row. The most common lateral hose size is about ½ “(13mm) inside diameter but many different sizes are available from 0.375 inches	(click to enlarge)
(9.5mm) to 1.05 inches (26.0mm) inside diameter. The common material used for these is polyethylene. In the case of the pop up sprinklers the same are mounted on the PVC pipes themselves.

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H) EMITTERS

The emitters are plugged in at various intervals along the laterals. These vary between drippers (both pressure compensating and non-pressure compensating) misters and mini sprinklers with varying flow rates and diameters of throw INCLUDING POP UP SPRINKLERS. For details of the right emitter to use and the right size please contact us

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