Design Installation And Performance Evaluation Of Subsurface Drip Irrigation System

ABSTRACT

Drip irrigation is a recent development in irrigation methods and is unique for its high efficiency. In this study, a subsurface drip irrigation system was designed and fabricated for vegetable production in Michael Okpara University of agriculture. Series of research and survey on topography and climate, soil and field analysis (moisture content, infiltration test, bulk density and grain size analysis) and water quality assessment were carried out and transformed into data which was used to make a design compatible with the intended use and adaptable to the environmental factors affecting the area. The results were that maximum discharge pre lateral was I 6.21/hr for an irrigation period of 6 hours, therefore for equal ridges, the emitter discharge Q is 2.9 1/hr. the unique features of a typical drip irrigation system make the system design complex and may not be easily managed without skill. However, implementation of this modified design reduces complexities and simplifies the system so that it can he affordable to small scale farmers and also operated by unskilled farmers.