Non-pressure compensating emitters using treated sewage effluent for irrigation

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the obstruction of non-pressure compensating emitters using treated sewage effluent (TSE) for irrigation. A drip irrigation system with six models of emitters (encoded) was installed in level field conditions. TSE coming from a sewage treatment station was used as irrigation water after being filtered through a disc filter (120 mesh). Seven flow rate evaluations of drippers operating at 100kPa were performed (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600h of operation). The experimental design was randomized in a 6×7 factorial arrangement (6 models and 7 times), with four repetitions, and Tukey’s test was used to compare means. Relative flow rate (Qr), the flow rate coefficient of variation (CVQ) and degree of clogging (GE) were determined. There was a reduction in flow rate in five dripper models, which are susceptible to clogging. The model with rated flow stood out against the others, showing a Qr of 100.52%, CVQ of 2.76% and GE of 0.49%. The use of TSE changed the Qr of the drippers after 600h of operation.