Performance Evaluation of a Semi- portable Solid- set Sprinkler Irrigation System at Khartoum State

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during seasons 2007 and 2008 at Elailafoon area30 km south east of Khartoum on the eastern bank of the Blue Nile. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of a semi portable solid set sprinkler system when installed in two patterns (spaces), namely, square pattern (18m × 18m) and rectangular pattern (12m × 18m). The design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Catch cans were carried out to determine the performance of irrigation applied by the semi portable solid set. The distribution uniformity coefficient (DU), Christiansen coefficient of uniformity (CU), application rate (AR) and application efficiency (Ea) of the irrigation system were also determined. Results showed that distribution uniformity coefficient, Christiansen coefficient of uniformity application rate and application efficiency in the rectangular pattern were significantly higher than that found in the square pattern. The values of DU and CU for the square and rectangular patterns were 63%, 69%, 70% and 75%, respectively. The application rate and application efficiency for the square and rectangular patterns were 2 mm/h, 2.5 mm/h, 63% and 78%, respectively. It can be concluded that the sprinkler pattern has a marked effect on the performance of the semi portable solid set sprinkler irrigation system; accordingly the rectangular pattern achieved a better results than the square pattern.