DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN IRRIGATION SYSTEM OF LOW PRESSURE WITH POROUS CAPSULES

Abstract

This study presents a new system for localized irrigation, using porous capsules as devices for water emission. Since this system does not require electrical energy and it is more efficient in the use of water, it can be recommended for regions with lack of water or for greenhouse crops highly remunerative on a small scale. For the construction of the porous capsules, two soils were used: a clay loam and a sandy clay loam. The fabrication process generated low variation coefficients in the geometric dimensions of the capsule, thereby it may be recommended for its commercial production. Two methods were used to determine the hydraulic conductivity: 1) morphological and 2) constant head permeameter. Both methods had similar results, but the first is recommended as a reference geometric method for analysis of soils or porous materials which does not need a direct analysis of water flow processes. An irrigation system was designed for a mango (Mangifera indica L.) orchard in the Mexican state of Veracruz and was evaluated hydraulically and operationally to detect the functional characteristics of the porous capsules. Such evaluation produced a uniformity coefficient of 47.74%, which involved capsules construction, operating and the direct influence of the emitters pressure. These emmitters are considered within the medium type as compared with those used in other systems for localized irrigation. Due to the low cost of the porous capsules and to the saving in electric power, the proposed system is better than drip irrigation.