Application of Variable Pulsed Irrigation Algorithm (VPIA) for Runoff Losses Reduction: Case Study of Different Soil Types

Abstract

Abstract The low-pressure sprinklers have been widely used to replace the high-pressure impact sprinklers in the lateral move sprinkler irrigation system due to its low operating cost and high efficiency. However, runoff losses under the low-pressure sprinkler irrigation machine can be significant. This study aims to evaluate the performance of the variable pulsed irrigation algorithm (VPIA) in reducing the runoff losses under low-pressure lateral move sprinkler irrigation machine for three different soil types. The VPIA uses the ON-OFF pulsing technique to reduce the runoff losses by controlling the number and width of the pulses considering the soil and the irrigation machine properties. Also, the VPIA aims to achieve a balance between four critical goals: reduce the runoff losses, deliver the highest possible irrigation depth, ensure a high level of water distribution uniformity in the direction movement, and with the lowest number of pulses. From a wide range of pulses numbers and widths tested applying a certain water depth to three soil types (Loamy Sand, Sandy Loam, Loam), the best solution that satisfies the algorithm goals was selected. A MATLAB code was written to simulate the soil infiltration rate, the sprinkler application rate, and to apply the proposed algorithm. The simulation results show a runoff reduction of at least 91.76% for Loamy sand, 90.7% for Sandy Loam, and 97.79% for Loam soils with a high level of distribution uniformity while delivering the highest possible irrigation depth using the lowest number of pulses.