Advantages of the self-propelled irrigation system with sprinkler bar

Irrigation using a self-propelled system basically consists of spraying water onto the plants or onto the soil through a pressurized system made up of tubes and mechanical and hydraulic devices. Water is sprayed by a single cannon-type sprinkler, which is fixed to a mobile platform. The platform is responsible for linear movement in the cultivated area, while the cannon can rotate on its own axis to increase water distribution.

The cannon and mobile platform are connected by a flexible tube to a spool system, which is spooled by the kinetic energy of the water. The force of the water is responsible for activating a turbine which, during operation, collects the cannon and platform assembly, making linear movement in the area to be irrigated. This system is also known as a winding reel. In addition to practicality and mobility, another advantage of the system is the possibility of using it for fertigation with wastewater such as vinasse, pig farm waste, as well as mineral fertilizer.

The use of the winding reel system is also common for rescue irrigation during summers, this period without rain and intense heat subjects crops to water deficit and consequently to a reduction in the absorption of water, nutrients and the accumulation of biomass. To maintain the crop with optimal development throughout the cycle, this irrigation system can be used on crops due to its easy mobility, its entire structure can be transported to irrigate different areas on the property, as long as water is available.

Like any other irrigation system, the roller reel has technical or economic advantages and limitations, so the choice must be evaluated by the producer. In general, the range of the system can vary between 52m and 70m, and the uniformity of blade distribution will depend on variables such as operating pressure, cannon height, wind speed, lateral overlap, among other factors.

However, some operational limitations can be minimized with the development of new technologies for water distribution, such as the development and coupling of more efficient sprinkler devices, which can substantially improve the uniformity of application of water and fertilizers. , increased productivity, as well as water savings.

WINDING REEL WITH IRRIGATION BAR

The irrigation system formed by a winding reel with an irrigation bar consists of a structural change in the mobile platform and the replacement of the cannon by a bar with water emitters distributed along its length. This device is known as an irrigation bar. It consists of a metallic linear bar in the form of trusses, which can vary between 50m and 60m in length, has an adjustable bar height on the mobile platform and can irrigate crops up to 4m in height.

The mobile platform must be adapted with increased support resistance, an increase in the number of wheelsets and a bar height adjustment system depending on the development stage or type of crop. This structure allows the bar to be moved slowly linearly across the cultivated area, applying the water depth necessary for optimal crop performance.

ADVANTAGES OF TECHNOLOGY

The sprinkler bar replaces the sprinkler cannon. In this change, water is distributed more evenly by water emitters along the metal bar. Furthermore, the height adjustment system allows the distribution of the water depth close to the ground or the crop canopy. In general, this system has some advantages over conventional distribution cannons, as we will see below.

BETTER USE OF WATER

With the irrigator bar, water is applied close to the crown of the plants, this favors the reduction of water loss due to evaporation or drift due to the action of the wind. In the conventional cannon system, this loss can be high, depending on weather conditions, droplet size, operating pressure, range and cannon height. Other advantages are improved water distribution efficiency along the boom and reduced need for overlapping. Therefore, this technology can improve the efficiency of irrigation water use and increase agricultural productivity.

GREATER CONTROL OF IRRIGATION

In the conventional cannon system, some precautions deserve attention. Inadequate operation can reduce the uniformity of water distribution and compromise the productivity of the area. There must be an overlap depending on the sprinkler's range. Furthermore, as it is a system that requires high pressure, small variations can reduce its efficiency.

Irrigation with the irrigator bar makes it easier to manage. The crop's water needs can be met more uniformly, and the required volume of irrigation water can be regulated by changing the speed of the equipment in the field, presenting itself as an alternative to replacing the cannon for spraying water.

REDUCTION OF OPERATION COST

The water emitters attached to the irrigation bar are generally small and their operating pressure may be relatively lower compared to the cannon-type sprinkler. Reducing operating pressure can have positive effects on reducing energy costs for system operation. Furthermore, operation at lower pressures presents lower risks of soil degradation and surface runoff.

Water supplementation via irrigation, as well as the application of fertigation, plays an important role in increasing the productive potential of crops. Therefore, the development of new technologies and the improvement of conventional methods play an important role in increasing efficiency in the application of inputs to farming. Therefore, innovation in the field has substantially reduced the cost of acquiring technologies and operating equipment that are now essential for good crop management.

Jaqueline Aparecida Batista Soares, Luiz Fernando Gomes, Caroliny Fatima Chaves da Paixão, Marconi Batista Teixeira and Leonardo Nazário Silva dos Santos
IF Goiano

a