2026

Technology of Irrigation Systems

Name: Technology of Irrigation Systems
Code: ERU14230O
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area: Rural Engineering

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Presentation

Optional

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

Acquire a more in-depth knowledge in the calculation of crop water requirements, in the agronomic and hydraulic design of irrigation systems, and in the management, automation and performance evaluation of irrigation systems. Acquire competences in crop irrigation scheduling, in the planning, selection and design of irrigation systems, and in the operating performance evaluation of irrigation systems.

Contents

Introduction: Soils, soil water, water retention by the soil, infiltration. Crop water requirements: Evapotranspiration, calculation methodologies. Water management: Management based on evapotranspiration, soil moisture content and canopy characteristics. Equipment. Irrigation scheduling. Deficit and supplemental irrigation. Irrigation methods and systems: Performance indicators. Sprinkler irrigation: General principles of sprinkler irrigation operation and agronomic and hydraulic design. Equipment. Systems performance evaluation. Drip irrigation: Principles of agronomic and hydraulic design and operation. Equipment: drippers, tubing, filters, pumps, electro valves, etc. Systems performance evaluation. Surface Irrigation: Principles of surface Irrigation and management. Principles of surface irrigation systems design. Automation and equipment. Evaluation and improvement of irrigation quality.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical and practical classes. Practical essays.
Evaluation based on practical essays and written tests.
The final grade is obtained by the weighted average, between the practical assignments (50%) and the written tests (50%).