Principles of Irrigation

Abstract

This subject explores the principles of soil-water-plant-atmosphere relationships, pressurised and non-pressurised water flows, and their applications for on-farm water management. Students will apply the principles of water-plant-atmosphere relationship to determine plant water requirement and irrigation scheduling. Students will also apply principles of open channel, pipe and pump hydraulics in the … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject explores the principles of soil-water-plant-atmosphere relationships, pressurised and non-pressurised water flows, and their applications for on-farm water management. Students will apply the principles of water-plant-atmosphere relationship to determine plant water requirement and irrigation scheduling. Students will also apply principles of open channel, pipe and pump hydraulics in the design, operation and management of gravity and pressurised irrigation systems. Students will develop their knowledge of irrigation water quality and remediation techniques to apply to irrigation-induced issues in soil and water quality.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Soil-plant-water relations and soil moisture measurement;Crop water requirement, irrigation water requirement and irrigation scheduling;Open channel hydraulics, pipe line hydraulics and irrigation pumps;Irrigation system layout, surface (gravity) irrigation methods and surface irrigation performance;Sprinkle irrigation and microirrigation; andWaste and recycled water use.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Soil-plant-water relations and soil moisture measurement;
Crop water requirement, irrigation water requirement and irrigation scheduling;
Open channel hydraulics, pipe line hydraulics and irrigation pumps;
Irrigation system layout, surface (gravity) irrigation methods and surface irrigation performance;
Sprinkle irrigation and microirrigation; and
Waste and recycled water use.

Assessment items

1. Soil-Plant-Water-Atmosphere Relations and Irrigation Scheduling

2. Practical Exam

3. Hydraulics and Irrigation Methods

4. Final Exam

Learning activities

Intensive School

Students will complete activities in the laboratory and field, involving soil water content and soil water potential measurement, infiltration measurement, head-discharge relationship, Venturi apparatus, fluid friction measurement, Manning's equation, flow over a sharp-crested weir, discharge beneath sluice gate, centrifugal pump test, head loss in drip laterals, and drip-irrigation uniformity test

Duration3 days

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Students attending compulsory intensive schools on Charles Sturt University campuses will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources (minimum: lab coat, safety glasses and covered footwear for lab-based practicals).