Water Resources and Irrigation

Code: ERU00563L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Rural Engineering

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English, Spanish

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

This course aims to address the use of water resources in a sustainable irrigated agriculture, only possible with a good knowledge of crop irrigation requirements and the operating characteristics of the different irrigation systems.

Sustainable Development Goals

Erradicar a fome - Acabar com a fome, alcançar a segurança alimentar e melhoria da nutrição e promover a agricultura sustentável.

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Água potável e saneamento - Garantir disponibilidade e manejo sustentável da água e saneamento para todos.

Ação climática - Tomar medidas urgentes para combater a mudança climática e seus impactos (*).

Learning Goals

The objective of this course is to address two complementary themes: Water Resources and Irrigation, introducing concepts, making the bridge between water resources and their use in Agriculture. Provide students with skills to assess and manage irrigation systems at the agricultural farm level.
It is intended that students acquire skills and competences in: i) management of water resources to be used in Agriculture; ii) determining irrigation needs and irrigation schedulling; iii) selection of irrigation systems to be used in different situations; iv) management of these irrigation systems according to the characteristics of the crop and the soil; and v) knowledge of the environmental and resource conservation problems that are associated with irrigated agriculture.

Planning and managing water resources. Watersheds. Irrigation and the Mediterranean constrains of Portugal. Management of Irrigation and Irrigation Schemes. Soil water balance. Crop water and irrigation requirements. Situations of abundance and deficit: irrigation and water resources management. Irrigation systems: evaluation and classification. Sprinkler irrigation. Drip Irrigation. Surface irrigation. Agricultural drainage. Elements of soil and water conservation. Salinity and quality of irrigation water.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical and practical classes. Practical essays performed along the semester. Assessment based on n. 9 art. 102º of the RAUE. Assessment divided in two components: i) mandatory continuos evaluation (50% of the final grade) based on practical essays carried out by the student throughout the semester (3-4 essays, each essay has a written report (1/3 of the grade) and an individual written test (2/3 of the grade)); ii) a final written test at the end of the semester (50% of the final grade).