2024

Analysis and Technology of Irrigation Systems

Name: Analysis and Technology of Irrigation Systems
Code: ERU10443M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area: Rural Engineering

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

This course aims to give students skills in planning, designing and evaluating of irrigation systems.

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

Acquire a more in depth knowledge of irrigation systems and methodologies, as well as their management and automation. Acquire competence in the planning, selection and design of irrigation systems, know the more important components, and be able to evaluate irrigation and water needs.

Contents

Introduction: Soils, soil water, water retention by the soil, infiltration. Topographic survey.
Crop water needs: Evapotranspiration, factors affecting water loss from plants, calculation methodologies.
Water management: Management based on evapotranspiration, soil moisture content and canopy characteristics. Equipment. Irrigation scheduling.
Irrigation systems:
Surface Irrigation: Principles of surface Irrigation and management. Evaluation and improvement of irrigation quality. Automation and equipment.
Sprinkler irrigation: General principles of sprinkler irrigation operation and design. Equipment. Pumps and hydraulic design. Evaluation.
Drip irrigation: Principles of design and operation. Hydraulic design. Emitter hydraulics. Equipment: drippers, tubing, filters, pumps, electro valves, etc. Evaluation
Irrigation automation: Systems and equipment for automatic management of irrigation

Teaching Methods

In each class, a theoretical presentation of each chapter is provided, followed by a more practical approach that can include application exercises, projects, field work, field days and laboratory classes.
The classes will be mostly theoretical and practical in nature.
Evaluation will include one or two tests and a study/report to be presented and discussed in class.