Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Khalid Final
Khalid Final
BY
NIGERIA
NOVEMBER 2018
EVALUATION OF MICRO TUBE CONTINUOUS FLOW EMITTERS UNDER
BUCKET DRIP IRRIGATION WITH VARYING
PRESSURE HEADS
BY
ENG/13/AGE/00117
SUPERVISOR
DR.M.M.MAINA
NOVEMBER 2018
ii
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this project title ‘Evaluation of micro tube continuous flow emitters under
bucket drip irrigation with varying pressure head’ at Bayero University Kano, Nigeria’ has been
supervision of Dr.M.M.Maina and not been presented anywhere for the award of certificate .All
___________________________ ____________________
iii
DEDICATION
I dedicated this to my Beloved Mum Hajiya Nana, My Aunty Hajiya zainab, and entire members
of my family for their financial and moral support throughout the project may Allah Subhanahu
wata’ala reward them abundantly and grant them Jannatul Firdausi (Ameen)
iv
CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that this project with the title “Evaluation of micro tube continuous flow
emitters under bucket drip irrigation with varying pressure head “was conducted by
the requirements and regulations governing the award of bachelor of engineering (Agricultural
_____________________ ____________________
Dr.M.M.Maina Date
(Project supervisor)
______________________ ______________________
Engr. M.D Zakari Date
(Project Coordinator)
________________________ ____________________
Dr. M.S.Abubakar Date
(Head of the Department)
_______________________ _____________________
Prof. M.k.Othm
(External Examiner) Date
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the name of ALLAH, the extremely merciful, the Bestowal of mercy. All praise is due to
ALLAH for his countless blessings, May his eternal peace and blessings be upon his messenger,
Muhammad S.A.W, his family and his companions until the day of judgment .I wish to express
making useful and constructive correction, suggestion and given a dedicated guidance
throughout for this project to become reality. I sincerely acknowledge the support and
contributions of all the technicians of the department of soil and water laboratory especially for
his immense contribution and devotion he have made both morally and financially support for
this project to be a successful one. I sincerely acknowledge the support and contributions of
Engr. A.Shitu, Engr. M.I.T. Usman and all the teaching and non teaching staffs of the department
for their intellectual observations in the supervision of this project. My appreciation extend to my
beloved parents, Hajiya Nana, My Aunty Hajiya Zainab, for their endless prayers, and financial
support. My brothers, Engr. Abdulrahman, Engr.Ibrahim for their support and encouragement .
And not forgetting my late father, May his soul rest in perfect peace and May ALLAH grant him
jannatul firdaus (Ameen).I am indebted to my sisters, Fatima, Aisha, Hauwa, and my entire
family members for their contributions and endless prayers.I am indebted to Mallam Kamsusi,
for his contributions, may ALLAH reward all of you abundantly and I wish you all a successful
vi
ABSTRACT
This work was conducted to evaluate the performance of micro tube (medical infusion set)
continuous flow emitters under Bucket Drip irrigation with varying pressure heads. This aims at
designing and evaluating the continuous flow bucket drip irrigation and comparing the
performance of the medical infusion set emitters with the varying pressure heads 1.5 m,1m,0.5m
heights. Parameters to evaluate drip irrigation system applications, Emitters flow rate variation
(qvar.),for 0.5m height, lateral one was (26.95) and lateral two was (35.03),for 1m height, lateral
one was (36.06) and lateral two was (36.06),for 1.5m height, lateral one was (34.53) and lateral
two was (41.95).The Uniformity coefficient (UC),for 0.5m height, lateral one was (91.74) and
lateral two was (87.59),for 1m height, lateral one was (88.65) and lateral two was (89.59),for
1.5m height, lateral one was (87.75) and lateral two was (85.44).Coefficient of variation(Cv),for
0.5m height, lateral one was (0.103) and lateral two was (0.150),for 1m height, lateral one was
(0.145) and lateral two was (0.124),for 1.5m height, lateral one was (0.145) and lateral two was
(0.177), and Coefficient of discharge(Cd),for 0.5m height,100% opening was (10.08), 80%
opening was ( 9.68), 60% opening was(5.99), 40% opening was (0.95),for 1m height, 100%
opening was (15.48), 80% opening was (13.98),60% opening was (11.08),40% opening
was(1.29), for 1.5 m height, 100% opening was (16.92), 80% opening was (15.93), 60% opening
was (13.77), 40% opening was (1.95).The result of the average discharge of the 0.5 m and 1m
pressure heads were compared using the t-test data analysis. It was observed that the calculated t-
value at one tail was (0.000803) and t-crit.was (2.131847), at two tail was, t-value was
(0.001605) and t-crit. Was(2.776445).The average discharge of the 1m and 1.5m pressure heads
were compared using the t-test data analyzed, it was observed that the calculated t- value at one
tail was (0.004819) and t-crit.was (2.131847), at two tail was, t-value was (0.009637) and t-
significance. Difference in discharge between the two different pressure heads is not significant.
vii
TABLE OF CONTENT
Contents Page
TITLE PAGE……………………………………………………………………………………ii
DECLARATION ......................................................................................................................................... iii
DEDICATION ............................................................................................................................................. iv
CERTIFICATION ........................................................................................................................................ v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... vi
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………………….......vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS……………………………………………………………………..…viii
LIST OF TABLES………………………………………………………………………………..xi
LIST OF FIGURE .......................................................................................................................................xiii
LIST OF PLATE...................................................................................................................................... xiiiiii
LIST OF APPENDICE………………………………………………………………………….xivi
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem........................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Justification ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.4 Aims and Objectives .................................................................................................................. 3
1.5 Significants of the projects ........................................................................................................ 3
1.6 Scope and limitations................................................................................................................. 3
CHAPTER TWO
2.2 Crop coefficient data for selected field crops (KC )................................................................................. 15
2.8 Measures of systems performance ........................................................................................................ 16
2.8.1 Water application uniformity ............................................................................................................. 16
2.8.2Uniformity coefficient......................................................................................................................... 16
2.8.3 Coefficient of variation ...................................................................................................................... 16
2.8.4 Emitter flow variation ........................................................................................................................ 17
2.8.5 Coefficient of discharge ..................................................................................................................... 17
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Results and Discussions......................................................................................................................... 24
4.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 24
4.2 Comparison between the three pressure heads .................................................................................. 24
4.3 Performance evaluation of the system ................................................................................................. 26
CHAPTER FIVE
x
LIST OF TABLE
Tables Pages
2.1: Parameter of emitter wetted diameter versus discharge for various soil types ........................ 9
2.2:Crop coefficient data for selected field crops (KC ) ................................................................... 15
4.1: Measured discharges for the calibration of medical infusion set emitters at 0.5 m
Height pressure head...................................................................................................................... 24
4.2: Measured discharges for the calibration of medical infusion set emitters at 1 m height
pressure head. ................................................................................................................................ 24
4.3: Measured discharges for the calibration of medical infusion set emitters at 1.5 m height
pressure head. ................................................................................................................................ 25
4.4: Average discharge of the three pressure heads. ...................................................................... 25
4.5: Shows the evaluated uniformity indices ................................................................................. 27
xi
LIST OF FIGURE
Figures Pages
2.1: Components of a conventional drip irrigation system .............................................................. 6
3.1: Shows the main components of the medical infusion set….……………………………………………………………19
3.2: System layout and Operation Principles of the Continuous-flow Drip System. .................... 20
3.2: System setup and layout of the bucket drip irrigation system ................................................ 20
4.1: Calibration curve of the medical infusion set emitters ........................................................... 26
4.6: Roller clamp calibration ......................................................................................................... 27
4.2: calibration curve on clamp effect ........................................................................................... 28
4.3: Calibration curves on clamp effect 0.5m, 1m, 1.5m height ................................................... 29
xii
LIST OF PLATE
Plates Pages
3.1: showing wooden stand of varying pressure head ................................................................... 21
3.2: Showing the process of laying of pipes of the system layout ................................................. 22
3.3: Showing how the pipes were laid ........................................................................................... 22
xiii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
In some parts of African especially in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, water deficit is the
most important environmental factor limiting yields in agriculture. When irrigated, these areas
can have a high yield potential because of the high solar radiation, favorable day and night
temperature and low atmospheric humidity, conditions that decrease the incidence of pests and
diseases compared to areas in temperate zones. The key to maximizing crop yields per unit of
supplied water in dry lands is ensuring that as much as possible of the available moisture is used
through plant transpiration and as little as possible is lost through soil evaporation, deep
The Irrigation system is simply the artificial application of water to the soil or plant, in the
required quantity and at the time needed, is a risk management tool for agricultural production.
The risk of yield reduction due to drought is minimized with irrigation. Drip irrigation involves
dripping water onto the soil at very low flow rates (0.2–20 l/h) from a system of small-diameter
plastic pipes fitted with outlets (drip emitters) (Isaya et al., 2001) The basic concept underlying
the drip irrigation method is to supply the amount of water needed by the plant within a limited
volume of soil and as often needed. Water is applied close to the plant so that only that part of
the soil immediately surrounding the plant is wetted. The volume of soil irrigated by each drip
emitter and the water flow along the soil profile are a function of the characteristics of the soil
(texture and hydraulic conductivity) and the discharge rate of the drip emitter. Compared to the
systems), drip irrigation can achieve 90–95% efficiency (Isaya et al., 2001). The losses through
evaporation, deep percolation, and surface run-off in drip irrigation systems are minimized,
thereby achieving high efficiencies of up to 90% and above (Donay et al., 1997). Despite this
1
impressive advantages, drip irrigation services just over 1% of the world's irrigated land, due to
The drum and bucket drip irrigation systems have been recommended as commensurate drip kits
for low-income farmers (Anon, 2004; IDE, 2003; UNEP, 2004). This system use plastic micro-
tubes (1-10mm diameter) as emitters. The operational principle of these kits is to apply water to
the crops 2 - 4 times daily. This is done with a view to maintaining the crop root zone at high
moisture contents conducive for the attainment of bumper crop yields. Advantages of drip or
trickle irrigation system include: less water loss, reduction in weed growth, less labour
fertilizer, reduced soil erosion, equitable water distribution and higher crop
pressure system, high initial cost, algae growth and easy damage to drip lines. Drip irrigation is
an efficient method for minimizing the water used in agricultural and horticultural crop
production. Frequency of water application is one of the most important factors in drip irrigation
management because of its effect on soil water regime, root distribution around the drip holes,
the amount of water uptake by roots and water percolating beyond the root zone (Coelho and Or
Rainfall is one of the most important factors affecting crop production (Rukuni and Carl 2004).
The smallholder farming sector has been experiencing difficulties and decreasing in all over
1. The unpredictable rainfall patterns or insufficient rainfall brings about shortage in crop yield.
2. Non uniform water requirement in all the growth stages (During the growth stage of every
2
3. To serves as water saving technique, to address all these issues there is the need to develop
an irrigation system that meets the water use and uniform water requirement of crops,
1.3 Justification
Agriculture accounts for about 70 – 80% use of available water in the world (Duhrkoopet al.,
2009). However, dwindling water availability has made it necessary to improve on the way water
is used in Agriculture. Efficient use of water is becoming increasingly important and alternative
water application methods such as drip and sprinkler irrigation may contribute substantially in
making the best use of the little water available for crop production. Designing and construction
of an affordable and efficient Drip irrigation system for the small scale farmers will indeed help
The study aimed at designing and evaluating the performance of micro tube (medical infusion
1. To design a continuous-flow drip irrigation system under bucket drip irrigation system.
2. To evaluate the continuous-flow bucket drip irrigation system with varying pressure heads
1. Maximization of crop yields per unit of supplied water in the dry land
The projectbased on the evaluation of micro tube(medical infusion set) as continuous flows
4
CHAPTER TWO
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the land to provide adequate moisture for crop
production (Solomon, 1990). Phocaides, (2000) also defined irrigation as the application of
water, supplementary to that supplied directly by precipitation, for the production of crops. Rain-
fed agriculture is erratic in which man cannot depend solely on. Hence the need of artificial
is the greatest user of water resources in the world totaling to about 70% of total withdrawals and
over 80% of the consumptive use of water (Baudequin and Molle, 2003; Stockle, 2001). Notably,
there are large regional variations, from 88% in Africa to less than 50% in Europe. Ascough and
Kiker (2002) stated that irrigated agriculture is the largest user of water resources in South Africa
Irrigation includes the development of the water supply, conveyance system, method of
application, and the waste water disposal system, along with the necessary management to
achieve the intended purpose. In dry areas, rainfall during the growing season falls short of most
crop needs and thus irrigation makes up for the shortage. Even in areas of high seasonal rainfall,
crops often suffer from lack of moisture for short periods during some part of the growing season
(USDA, 1984). These therefore underline the importance of irrigation in attaining crop
production targets.There are two basic types of irrigation systems namely open canal systems
and pressurized piped systems (Phocaides, 2000). Irrigation is thus implemented through surface
and pressurized systems, characterized by the mode of transport of the water to the point of
application (Keller and Bliesner, 1990). Scherer (2005) expands it further that there are four
basic methods, of water application, which are subsurface irrigation, surface/gravity irrigation,
5
2.2 Components of a conventional drip irrigation system
The distinguishing advantages of drip irrigation systems over others are based on precise
application of crop water requirement at the right time, and directly to the root zone where it is
characteristic function.
Water is pumped from a source, which could be a river, a stream, ground water or some other
source of freshwater. The abstracted water flows through valves, filters, mainlines, sub-mains, or
manifolds, and finally through the laterals before it is discharged to the field crops through
emitters. The manifolds, sub-main and main pipelines may be laid on the surface or buried
underground. The mainline could be any type of pipe such as polyethylene (PE),
polyvinylchloride (PVC), butylenes (BL), galvanized steel, or aluminum. Laterals feed the
emitters directly. They are usually flexible PVC or PE tubing, and are generally placed on the
soil surface except if micro-sprinklers are to be used. The diameter of common lateral pipes
ranges mainly from 10-32mm (Schwab et al., 1993). Other components of a standard drip
6
irrigation system are: pressure regulators, pressure gauges, flow meters, flushing valves,
automatic timers, fertilizer injectors, and filters. An efficient filtration system is indispensable for
smooth functioning of drip irrigation systems. Otherwise, the emitters would clog, sometimes,
2.3 Emitters
Emitters are the terminal components of drip irrigation system. They allow water to flow from
the lateral to the soil. Conventional emitters operate at nominal pressures of about 78.5 – 98.1
kPa (8-10m), applying small discharges in the order of 2-8 l/hr (benami and ofen, 1984).
Emitters are generally classified from two perspectives. The first classification is in manner of
connection and positioning of the emitter on laterals, whilst the second is based on the emitter
flow regime. In the first context, emitters are grouped as either point-source or line-source
emitters (James, 1988). Point-source emitters apply water at discrete locations in the irrigated
field. The wetted areas do not, as a rule, overlap. Point-source emitters are further distinguished
as either on-line or in-line emitter. In-line emitters function as couplings, connecting adjacent
lateral sections. The discharge required down the stream the lateral passes through all preceding
emitters. Most manufacturers handling in-line emitters now produce laterals with integral built
in-line emitters. On the other hand, on-line emitters are inserted in holes bored through the lateral
wall. Some on-line emitters however, have spikes, and are therefore self-piercing. The ‘barbs’ of
on-line emitters cause additional resistance to flow leading to considerable energy loss along
laterals having such emitters. In-line emitters cause lesser energy drop because they do not have
barbs. Nevertheless, the major drawback of in-line emitters is that they cause complete stoppage
of flow downstream any clogged emitter. Some on-line emitters are available with multiple
outlets. Small diameter tubes connected to the emitter outlets are used to convey water to the
7
desired locations around the plants. Such emitters are particularly advantageous drip irrigating
mature orchards.
The second emitter classification is based on flow regime places common emitters info four
Turbulent emitters
Vortex emitters
The first phase in design of drip irrigation system involves selecting an appropriate emitter for
the system. Emitter selection is based primarily on the characteristic curves and soil wetted
diameter of available emitters. It is well established that the sub-surface wetting pattern of a
point source emitter takes the form of a cone. When irrigation starts, water from the emitter
spreads over the soil surface and the wetted area expands. If discharge remains unaltered, the
wetted area tends to stabilize at some point in time during irrigation. The diameter of terminal
wetted portion is known as wetted diameter of the emitter (Howel et al., 1980). The size of the
wetted area depends on the discharge rate as well as the soil type and infiltration characteristics.
Research has shown that for a constant volume of water, increasing the emitter flow rate results
in wider but shallower cones for all soils (Hachum et al., 1976). Brandtl et al (1972) further
reported that the time required to reach the equilibrium wetted area is much longer for higher
discharges. It is therefore better in principle to drip irrigate crops using emitter discharges, for a
relatively longer period of time, than to apply the gross depth of water for a shorter period under
higher discharge. For practical purposes, the radius of the wetted hemisphere may be estimated
8
Where:
t = application time, hr
Since the magnitude of the soil wetted diameter is influenced largely by discharge and soil
𝑊𝑑 = 𝛼 + 𝛽𝑞𝑒
given in Table 2.
Table 2.1: Parameter of emitter wetted diameter versus discharge for various soil types
Soil Type α(m) β(m)
Fine soil 1.2 0.1
Medium siol 0.7 0.11
Coarse soil 0.3 0.12
Source: Dandy and Hassall (1996)
The performance of drip irrigation systems is heavily influenced by the uniformity of flow
through each emitter along a drip line. However, unlike other systems, the uniformity of drip
irrigation systems is not only a function of the design characteristics but is also significantly
evaluation and the assessment of the likely system longevity (Sadler et al., 1995).
9
Discharge uniformity may be assessed by measuring discharge from a number of emitters using a
catch can methodology. For subsurface systems, this involves excavating the soil around the
emitter and collecting the water quantity discharged (Sadler et al., 1995). Pressure may be
measured at the flush point or end of the lateral using a standard pressure gauge or at specific
points along the lateral using a needle point pressure gauge inserted directly through the tape or
tube. Where an assumption of no plugging can be made, the models used for the design and
evaluation of drip irrigation systems may also be used to evaluate the application uniformity of
subsurface systems based on the measured pressures and the system design characteristics
(Pheneet al., 1992; Wu and Yue, 1991 ). Root zone recharge may be measured directly using soil
moisture sensors, such as tensiometer, gypsum block and capacitance probe. In this case, sensors
should be placed in vertical grid pattern along a radial axis from the emitter to measure both
lateral and vertical soil water movement. Soil moisture sensing is also commonly used to identify
deep drainage losses and variations in wetted pattern due to application rate and period of
watering (Wu, 1992). A wide range of irrigation uniformity coefficient is commonly used in
performance evaluation (Jensen 1983). Camp et al. (1997) evaluated the appropriateness of
various uniformity coefficients for drip irrigation systems including the traditional Christiansen
uniformity coefficient (UC) should be greater than 90% and coefficient of variation (CV)
The design of drip irrigation systems is a multi-faceted process that pulls a broad spectrum of
input data from various domains. Some of the input data serve as guides for selecting the systems
components. Thereafter, the irrigation system is configured, preferably into sub-units, and the
10
2.5.1 Emitter selection
Emitter selection involves choosing an appropriate emitter from a pool of available ones. The
selected emitter is primarily one that has the capacity to deliver the required application rate, and
wet the soil to a reasonably safe diameter. Also the emitter choice should not be characterized by
excessively high operating pressure, as this would increase the energy cost. If the required
discharge is too high, practically above 12 l/hr, it could be economical to use more than one
emitter per crop stand arranged in recommended patterns such as the zigzag and pig tail
configuration.
Laterals in drip irrigation system serve as hydraulic link between the supply line (mains or sub
mains) and the emitters. Therefore, laterals must be properly designed for the emitters to function
well. Lateral design is pivoted about determining the pipe length and diameter that would limit
pressure variation in the pipeline to within acceptable limits. Initially, the 20% rule originally
developed for use in sprinkler system design was generally adopted for drip irrigation systems.
However, Wu (1997) has recently shown that this criterion could be safely relaxed to 30% for
drip irrigation systems still with a resultant spatial uniformity of 80% and above.
Most present day drip irrigation systems are fully automated. The routine field work including
pump operation and opening/closing of valves are pre-planned and electronically controlled by
integral timers. Minimal human labor is therefore required for the irrigation procedures.
However, one field operation that still attracts strict precautionary monitoring even when
11
2.6.1 Fertilizer application in drip irrigation systems
The common practice with drip irrigation systems is to apply fertilizer through the irrigation
water. This practice is known as fertigation.Fertigation is used with drip irrigation systems
because it offers distinguishing advantages, some of which include (Bhella and Wilcox, 1985:
sanders, 1997):
Minimal losses due to leaching – so relatively smaller quantities of fertilizer maybe needed
Optimization of the nutritional balance by supplying the nutrients directly to the root zone
The incidence of emitter clogging is an inevitable operational problem in drip irrigation systems.
This is primarily because the flow paths of emitters are very small, and thus highly vulnerable to
blockage by foreign particles. The design of emitters is mainly conditional by recognition of the
axiom that the smaller the emitter opening, the more closely the flow rate may be matched with
soil infiltration rates, but the probability of plugging increases. Therefore, most emitters are
designed with some degree of compromise between these two divergent criteria. The onset of
clogging causes partial or complete stoppage of flow which manifests in reduced systems
uniformity. If allowed to persist for long, some of the crops may suffer irreparable damage.
Contemporary drip irrigation systems have accessory components that helps to reduce the
severity of clogging. These equipments constitute heavy contribution to the high capital cost of
drip irrigation systems. Unfortunately, clogging agents are present in most sources of irrigation
\water (Bucks and Nakayama, 1985). Clogging materials include suspended soil material,
12
2.7 Irrigation water requirement
The operational principle of irrigation systems is to supply plants with sufficient water to prevent
stress that may cause reduced yield or poor quality harvest. Field crops require water for
photosynthesis and even digestion. The quantity of water used by plants for these processes is
termed consumptive use (CU) (James, 1988). Transpiration alone constitutes up to 99% of
consumptive, and therefore is loosely taken to denote consumptive use (James, 1988). Irrigation
water requirement is a broader term extending beyond crop consumptive use (crop
1980):
Pe = effective rainfall
To estimate a crop’s water requirement, first you must obtain the evaporative demand, which is
evapotranspiration (ETo) is defined as the rate of water use measured for a large area of short
green grass growing under non-limiting conditions. Obtaining accurate climatic data for each
environment is time consuming, laborious and expensive, and yet crop water requirement data
are needed at short notice for project planning. To meet this need several methods such as the
Blaney-Criddle, radiation, Penman, Penman- Monteith and pan evaporation methods are used to
calculate ETo. The choice of method used must be based on the type of climatic data available
and on the accuracy required in determining water needs. The Penman method gives the best
13
results in terms of accuracy with an error of ±10%. The pan evaporation method (error level
±15%) provides better accuracy compared to the radiation (±20% in hot conditions) and Blaney-
Crop evapotranspiration (ETc) is the sum of transpiration by the crop and evaporation from the
soil surface. The value of ETc obtained is a measure of the demand from crops that are grown in
large fields under optimum soil–water and other environmental conditions, and with excellent
management. When there is full ground cover, evaporation is negligible, but immediately
following sowing and during the early growing period evaporation from the soil surface may be
considerable, particularly when the soil surface is wet for most of the time from rain or irrigation.
Empirically determined ETc/ETo ratios, called crop coefficients, relate ETo to ETc. The crop
coefficient (Kc) is crop specific and expresses potential evaporative demand of a particular crop
in relation to ETo. The value of Kc largely depends on the level of ground cover and the
frequency with which the soil is wetted by rain and/or irrigation. For most crops, K c increases
from a low value (0.5–0.9) during the initial stages of growth, to a maximum value (0.9–1.2)
during the period when the crop reaches full development, and declines again (0.3–0.9) as the
crop matures. The Kc values for the initial crop development stage are related to ETo and
The crop growing season can be divided into four stages, as follows:
𝐸𝑇𝑐 = 𝐾𝑐 × 𝐸𝑇𝑜 .
14
Where:ETc = crop evapotranspiration in mm/dayETo = reference evapotranspiration in mm/day
The ETC calculated above predicts crop evapotranspiration under non-limiting field conditions,
whereas the conditions encountered in the field are often limiting, especially for resource-poor
farmers. Lower than predicted evapotranspiration, actual crop evapotranspiration (ETa), and
therefore crop production, will result from influences such as inadequate soil fertility, moisture
15
2.8 Measures of systems performance
uniformity in the field (Wu et al., 2007). The system uniformity is affected by system design
factors such as lateral diameter and emitter spacing (Wu et al., 1986), and manufacturing
variation (Braltset al., 1981a). It is also affected by emitter clogging (Braltset al., 1981b). The
parameters used to evaluate drip irrigation system application uniformity are: the Uniformity
Coefficient (UC); emitter flow variation (qvar); and Coefficient of Variation (CV) of emitter flow
(Bralts and Kensar, 1983; Wu et al., 1986). Using these parameters, Ayarset al. (1999) discussed
various drip tape products and determined the values of these uniformity parameters. System
uniformity values predicted by design or evaluation models are similar for both surface and
2.8.2Uniformity coefficient
Uniformity coefficient,
Where:
= mean discharge
q = discharge
16
𝑠
𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑦𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝐶𝑣 =
Where:
= mean discharge
Emitter flow variation (Wu, 1997; camp et al., 1997) measures the deviation between the
maximum and the minimum emitter flow rates, and is given by:
Where:
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑚𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒
𝑞𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒
As far as uniformity is concerned, each of the parameters described above expresses some
Discharge coefficient as defined by Dilip Kumar (1986) is calculated using the equation:
𝑚
𝐶𝑑 =
𝑎√2𝑔
Where:
m = discharge gradient
17
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Methodology
3.1. Introduction
This Chapter describes the materials utilized for the field trials necessary for obtaining the
requisite data presented in this study. The methods adopted for the field trials, have also been
described. The study area characteristics, relevant equations and statistical tools and measures of
performance of micro-tube (medical infusion set) continuous flow drip irrigation system emitters
The continuous flow drip irrigation system was constructed and evaluated at the test field,
3.3. Materials
PVC pipes
End caps
18
Control valve
Stop watch
The medical infusion set is referred to as intra-venous administration set is the device used in
hospitals to dose liquid medications to patients. The needle from the original configuration of the
device will be discarded to eliminate possibilities of operational injuries. With this the medical
Figure 3.1 Shows the Main components of the medical infusion set
The criterion of the drip system is to supply the peak daily crop water requirement at a steady
19
Figure.3.2 System layout and Operation Principles of the Continuous-flow Drip System.
This system was constructed at the Agricultural and environmental engineering test field Bayero
University Kano
Figure.3.2: System setup and layout of the bucket drip irrigation system
20litres buckets was used as a reservoir to supply water to the laterals, the buckets are placed at
1.5 m 1 m and 0.5 m heights to obtain a pressure head that would enable the water to flow freely
20
by gravity. The buckets was connected to four laterals of 5 m length each and the emitters on the
laterals were spaced at 1 m to suit the inter roll spacing of watermelon. Thus, there were 5
emitters on each lateral. The medical infusion set emitters was connected on two laterals, while
Provision will be made for a filter to overcome the problem of clogging, and valves will be
21
Plate 3.2: Showing the process of laying of pipes of the system layout
22
3.6 Evaluation of the continuous-flow drip irrigation system
The performance parameters that will be used for the system evaluation are: coefficient of
variation (Cv), Emitter flow rate variation (qvar) and uniformity coefficient (UC), coefficientof
variation will be determined; the Emitter flow variation will be determined, the discharge
coefficient of variation will be determined; the emitter for variation will be determined.
23
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the summarized results are presented in tables or figures and the relevant
interpretation is given. The parameters used for these studies have also been explained.
The system was calibrated and the discharge of all the emitters (E1 TO E5) was taken in L/hr
Table.4.1 Measured discharges for the calibration of medical infusion set emitters at 0.5 m
Table.4.2 Measured discharges for the calibration of medical infusion set emitters at 1 m
height pressure head.
Discharge
Pressure head(m) Discharge rate(l/hr) Discharge rate(l/hr) rate(l/hr) Time(hr)
1m R1 R2 R3
E1 15.48 16.08 12.96 1
E2 15.84 15.36 16.38 1
E3 15.12 16.32 14.76 1
E4 15.84 12.48 15.3 1
E5 10.08 10.8 10.26 1
24
Table.4.3.Measured discharges for the calibration of medical infusion set emitters at 1.5 m
height pressure head.
Pressure Discharge Discharge Discharge
head(m) rate(l/hr) rate(l/hr) rate(l/hr) Time(hr)
1.5m R1 R2 R3
E1 16.92 17.52 16.92 1
E2 19.8 20.64 21.6 1
E3 15.12 18 18 1
E4 19.8 20.88 19.8 1
E5 12.6 13.44 14.58 1
Discharge (l/hr)
Emitters position at
Numbers. of
laterals 0.5m 1m 1.5m
1 9.78 14.84 17.12
2 11.28 15.86 20.68
3 10.28 15.4 17.04
4 10.66 14.54 20.16
5 8.24 10.4 13.54
The result of the average discharge of the 0.5m and 1m pressure heads were compared using the
t-test data analysis. When the data was analyzed, it was observed that the calculated t- value at
one tail was (0.000803) and t-crit.was (2.131847), at two tail was, t-value was (0.001605) and t-
crit.was(2.776445).The average discharge of the 1m and 1.5m pressure heads were also
compared using the t-test data analyzed , it was observed that the calculated t- value at one tail
was (0.004819) and t-crit.was (2.131847), at two tail was, t-value was (0.009637) and t-
significance. Therefore, the difference in discharge between the two different pressure heads is
not significant. Hence, the two discharges are statistically similar; and anyone of the three
pressure heads 1.5m,1m, 0.5m could be used or recommended for farmers to irrigate different
25
20
18
16
14
Discharge l/hr
12
10 y = 7.42x + 6.52
8 R² = 0.9577 discharge l/hr
6 Linear (discharge l/hr)
4
2
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
Pressure Head (m)
The calibration curve shows an increase in discharge with increase in pressure head in both
cases. The shape of calibration curve serves as a first line guide when adjusting the device to
obtain desired flow rates. The system was calibrated by determined the discharge of the emitters
at different pressure heads, the variation in discharge of the emitters with varying pressure head
The uniformity coefficient (UC) does not agree with Bralts et al., (1987) i.e. is being less than
95%. Flow variation (qvar) does not agree with Bralts et al., (1987), since their report states that
qvar should be between 10 – 20%, Cv agrees with Bralts et al., (1987) reports which states that
CV should be between 1-20%. The design could not achieve this because either the head or
capacity of the container was too small for the qvar with the 2 mm drip emitter diameter, the
control valve was turned off whenever the lateral became full and this could affect the uniformity
of flow in the lateral/pipe. The slope of the land also could affect the uniformity of flow
26
Table.4.5: Shows the evaluated uniformity indices
Using analysis of variance to analyze the above data, it was analyzed that the effect of the
significance. Calculated f=values are less than f=table values at both levels of significance.
27
18
16
14
12
Discharge l/hr
10
0.5m
8
1m
6
4
1.5m
2
0
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%
percentage Clamp opennig
0.5M
12
10 y = 15.54x - 4.203
Discharge l/hr
8 R² = 0.8966
6
0.5M
4
2 Linear (0.5M)
0
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%
percentage clamp opening
28
1M
20
y = 22.735x - 5.457
R² = 0.8469
Discharge L / hr
15
10
1M
5 Linear (1M)
0
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%
percentage Clamp opennig
1.5M
25
y = 23.535x - 4.332
Discharge L / hr
20
R² = 0.7709
15
10 1.5M
Linear (1.5M)
5
0
0% 50% 100% 150%
percentage Clamp opennig
29
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Summary
The project ‘Evaluation of the micro tube continuous flow emitter under bucket drip irrigation
with varying pressure heads was carried out at Bayero University Kano, Department of
Agricultural and Environmental Engineering test field. The parameters used to evaluate drip
irrigation system applications, emitters flow rate variation (qvar.), obtained at pressure heads, for
0.5 m height, lateral one was (26.95) and lateral two was (35.03), for 1 m height, lateral one was
(36.06) and lateral two was (36.06), for 1.5m height, lateral one was (34.53) and lateral two was
(41.95).Uniformity coefficient (UC), obtained at pressure heads, for 0.5m height, lateral one was
(91.74) and lateral two was (87.59),for 1m height, lateral one was (88.65) and lateral two was
(89.59), for 1.5m height, lateral one was (87.75) and lateral two was (85.44). Coefficient of
variation(Cv) ,obtained at pressure heads, for 0.5 m height, lateral one was (0.103) and lateral
two was (0.150),for 1m height, lateral one was (0.145) and lateral two was (0.124), for 1.5 m
height, lateral one was (0.145) and lateral two was (0.177), and Coefficient of
discharge(Cd),obtained at pressure heads, for 0.5 m height, 100% opening was (10.08), 80%
opening was ( 9.68), 60% opening was (5.99), 40% opening was (0.95), for 1 m height, 100%
opening was (15.48), 80% opening was (13.98),60% opening was (11.08),40% opening was
(1.29), for 1.5m height, 100% opening was (16.92), 80% opening was (15.93), 60% opening was
(13.77), 40% opening was (1.95).The result of the average discharge of the 0.5m and 1m
pressure heads were compared using the t-test data analysis,it was observed that the calculated t-
value at one tail was (0.000803) and t-crit.was (2.131847), at two tail was, t-value was
(0.001605) and t-crit. Was (2.776445).The average discharge of the 1m and 1.5m pressure heads
30
were also compared using the t-test data analyzed, it was observed that the calculated t- value at
one tail was (0.004819) and t-crit.was (2.131847), at two tail was, t-value was (0.009637) and t-
significance. Therefore, the difference in discharge between the two different pressure heads is
not significant. The comprising between the bubblers and the medical infusion set emitters was
highly clear. The medical infusion set emitters conserved more water than the bubblers and all
other forms of drip irrigations system. It was observed that the higher the height the increased in
the discharged rate and vice versa and The t-test results analyzed that the varying pressure heads
was not significant; at 1% and 5%, hence all the three-pressure heads 0.5 m height, 1 m height,
1.5 m heights are recommended, any of these can be used by farmers to run the water freely
under gravity.
5.2 Conclusion
The t-test results analyzed, that the varying pressure heads was not significant; at 1% and 5%,
hence all the three-pressure heads 0.5 m height,1 m height,1.5 m heights are recommended and
were found to have a similar discharge, any of these pressure heads can be used by farmers to
5.3 Recommendations
1. Further studies should focus on automation of the design system, to operate automatically i.e.
water should be pump to the reservoirs automatically and the supply of water to the crop should
3. The study should be repeated and a crop should be planted to determine the yield response.
31
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37
Appendices
Appendix A
Variable 1 Variable 2
Mean 14.208 17.708
Variance 4.79012 8.25232
Observations 5 5
Pearson Correlation 0.812265
Hypothesized Mean Difference 0
Df 4
t Stat -4.65337
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.004819
t Critical one-tail 2.131847
P(T<=t) two-tail 0.009637
t critical two-tail 2.776445
Variable 1 Variable 2
Mean 10.048 14.208
Variance 1.32172 4.79012
Observations 5 5
Pearson Correlation 0.91711
Hypothesized Mean Difference 0
Df 4
t Stat -7.60371
P(T<=t) one-tail 0.000803
38
t Critical one-tail 2.131847
Appendix B
SUMMARY
ANOVA
Source of
Between
Total 278.8535 8
Appendix C
Table.1Measured discharges for the calibration of medical infusion set emitters 0.5m height
pressure head
39
Pressure (l/hr) (l/hr) (l/hr) (hr)
0.5m
Table.2 Measured discharges for the calibration of medical infusion set emitters 0.5m height
pressure head
Lateral two Discharge rate (l/hr) Discharge rate Discharge rate (l/hr) Time
0.5m R2 in 15secs
Table.3 Measured discharges for the calibration of medical infusion set emitters
40
1m R1 in 10secs R2 in 15secs R3 in 20secs
Table.4 Measured discharges for the calibration of medical infusion set emitters
1m
Table.5 Measured discharges for the calibration of medica1.5m height pressure head
1.5m
41
E3 15.12 18.00 18.00 1
Table.6 Measured discharges for the calibration of medical infusion set emitters
1.5m
37