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Abstract

Centre pivot irrigation is a system of irrigation whereby a large self-propelled boom travels around a central point delivering irrigation via overhead sprinklers. Centre pivot sprinkler irrigation systems are widely used in arid and semi-arid regions. Although these systems have many advantages, there are several problems associated with them such as soil erosion.

Description

Centre pivot irrigation is a system of irrigation whereby a large self-propelled boom, up to one kilometre long and split into 30-50 metres sections, travels around a central point delivering irrigation via overhead sprinklers.   Centre pivot sprinkler irrigation systems are widely used in agriculture especially in arid and semi-arid regions.   Although these systems have many advantages, there are several problems associated with them such as water run-off, soil erosion  and the consequent problem of soil salinization in areas where saline soils, saline water or high evaporative rates exist.  When used in conjunction with inappropriate soil cultivation methods the rates of water run-off can be high especially if the sprinkler package has not been optimised for the particular conditions in which it is operating.

The aim of this project is to understand how the irrigation set up interacts with soil cultivation method and the factors which predispose the applied water to runoff.