Variation of Culture Productivity in the Function of Water Distribution of Emitors

Abstract

The application of water by an irrigation system always shows a degree of unevenness. Uniformity in conventional sprinkler systems depends on factors such as: the type of sprinkler and its operating conditions, the arrangement and spacing between sprinklers in the field, and the speed and direction of the wind during the period of application of water. The variation in soil moisture is dependent on the distribution and amount of water applied. The effect of irrigation uniformity on crop productivity is a significant factor to be considered in sprinkler irrigation projects. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of water application uniformity on the productivity of potato, beet and bean crops. For the three cultures, conditions of different spacings between the emitters (6 x 6m, 12 x 12m, 12 x 18m and 12 x 24m) were simulated resulting in different water application uniformity coefficients. Next, production functions were developed by other authors. The results indicated the spatial variability of productivity as a function of the distribution uniformity of the emitters. The productivity of potato, beet and bean crops were affected by the high disuniformities of water application via sprinklers. PALAVRAS-CHAVE:aspersão; distribuição; produção.