Hort. Week 6

Week 6 - Q3
INTERPRETATION PLANS AND

DRAWINGS (Layout of Irrigation System)
•Water required by crops is
supplied by nature in the
form of precipitation, but
when it becomes scarce it is
necessary to supply it
artificially, by irrigation.
Several irrigation methods
are available, and the
selection of one depends on
factors such as water
availability, crop, soil
characteristics, land
topography, and associated
cost.
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil
through various systems of tubes, pumps, and
sprays. Irrigation is usually used in areas where rainfall is
irregular or dry times or drought is expected
A canal irrigation system is an artificial channel that is
constructed to carry water to the fields to perform irrigation.
Sprinkler irrigation is the method of applying water in a
controlled manner in way similar to rainfall.
Drip irrigation or trickle irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system
that has the potential to save water and nutrients by allowing water
to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either from above the soil
surface or buried below the surface.
Proper design of an irrigation system requires that the
pumping system precisely match the irrigation distribution
system so that the pressure and flow rate required can be
efficiently provided by the pumping system.
Irrigation water management involves of determining when to

irrigate, the amount of water to supply each irrigation event and
during each stage of plant, and operating and maintaining the
irrigation system.
A major management activity involves irrigation scheduling or
determining when and how much water to apply, considering the
irrigation method and other field characteristics.
FUNCTIONS OF FARM IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
The primary function of farm irrigation systems is to supply crops
with irrigation water in the quantities and at the time it is needed.
1. Diverting water from the water source.

2. Conveying it to individual fields within the farm.
3. Distributing it within each field.
4. Providing a means for measuring and regulating flows.
Other functions of farm irrigation system include crop and soil

cooling, protecting crops from frost damage, delaying fruit and bud
development, and controlling wind erosion, providing water for seed
germination, application of chemicals, and land application of
wastes.
REASONS FOR AN IRRIGATION PLAN
1. A project plan enables the designer to lay out the irrigation system in the most
cost-effective way. The plan is used to generate a material list and to evaluate
the anticipated project costs.
2. The plan provides step by step information on system installation. Information

on crop spacing, sprinklers, pumping requirements, pipeline sizes and lengths
should be included in the plan. Pertinent obstructions such as roads, trees, gas,
oil, water, telephone, or transmission lines must also be indicated.
3. Specification, design standards, and work schedules as set out in a plan on the
basis of any contractual agreements between the installation contractor and the
farmer.
4. The plan provides a record for future reference. It can be used for overall farm
planning and identifies limits of expansion potential.
ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A PLAN
1. Topographic Data - The field shape must be accurately drawn showing
pertinent obstructions, features and elevation details.
2. Water Source Capacity - The water supply must be clearly indicated

showing location and available capacity.
3. Depending on the water source, a well log or water license must

accompany the irrigation plan. Irrigation reservoirs also require Water
Management Branch licensing.
4. Soil and Crop Characteristics - Soil and crop limitations must be

accounted for to reduce runoff and deep percolation by mismanagement
of the irrigation system
5. Design Parameters - Soil water holding capacity, maximum application
rate and climatic data must be used to select the correct irrigation system
design.
6. Design Data - The nozzle selected, operating pressure, discharge rate

and sprinkler spacing must all be shown on the plan. The irrigation
interval, set time, application rate and net amount applied must also be
calculated.
WHERE TO OBTAIN A
PLAN
A farm irrigation plan can
be obtained from irrigation
engineering consultants as
well as reputable irrigation
equipment dealers. The
features of a farm irrigation
plan are summarized in the
sample ―Sprinkler
Irrigation Design
Information‖ sheets attached.

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Week 6 - Q3

INTERPRETATION PLANS AND

Irrigation water management involves of determining when to

1. Diverting water from the water source.

Other functions of farm irrigation system include crop and soil

2. The plan provides step by step information on system installation. Information

2. Water Source Capacity - The water supply must be clearly indicated

3. Depending on the water source, a well log or water license must

4. Soil and Crop Characteristics - Soil and crop limitations must be

6. Design Data - The nozzle selected, operating pressure, discharge rate

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