Improving Center Pivot Efficiency By Combined Trickle-Center Pivot Technology

Abstract

Center pivots are popular for their labor saving results; however they have several disadvantages, especially in arid regions. First, there is considerable evaporation losses with low humidity, high winds, and high air temperature. Second, considerable energy is required to maintain the necessary system pressure for operating the system. Third, a wet crop canopy is conducive to pests and fungi growth. Trickle irrigation has none of these disadvantages. Consequently, if the two systems were to be combined, the advantages of trickle irrigation might be transferred to center pivots. This research investigates this possibility. Two center pivots were used during the 1985-86 growing season. One was modified to be a travelling trickler system and the other was used as a control. It was found that the travelling trickler pivot achieved about 5% higher yield for Wheat crop with 40% less water consumption compared to the traditional center pivot system. Several design improvements were gained from this experience and laboratory rating curves were developed for tricklers. Further research was required using the developed rating curves for the adjustable tricklers in order to make field calibration feasible.