DESIGN OF TELE-AUTOMATED DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM

MASTERS RESEARCH: CONCEPT NOTE

KAHURU, JAIROS

Introduction

Drip irrigation is an irrigation method that allows precisely controlled application of water by allowing water to drip slowly near the plant roots through a network of valves, pipes, tubing and emitters Drip irrigation systems can be controlled manually or by the use of an automatic timer in conjunction with a tensiometer Automated Drip-irrigation application may be simply managed and programmed with an AC- or batterypowered controller, thereby reducing labour cost

Background information

For many years efforts have been made to reduce labour force in

irrigation from local methods to the modern ones

Initially people used buckets to water their crops or plants Efforts were made to replace that so as to reduce labour force; they had to construct the streams for the water to flow towards and nearby their crops so that they can irrigate easily

Further more to make more improvement, another method of irrigation substituted or the better one was innovated using a horse pipe for watering the crops

The sprinkler irrigation system was another method of irrigation which seemed to reduce labour a lot

Problem Statement

Despite all innovations, inventions and researches so far done to reduce labour force needed for irrigation, still more labour force is needed for operating the irrigation system(s) manually The amount of labour required to control and operate irrigation systems has not been reduced substantially Most of the subsystems or components of those irrigation systems are being controlled manually Thus, irrigation has become a very tedious and involving activity In turn, people are resistant to undertake irrigation in agriculture As such the need to automate irrigation systems is vital as it will lead to substantial reduction in labour force required

OBJECTIVES
Main

objective a tele-automated drip irrigation system

Designing Specific

objectives design implementation testing

System System System

METHODS/METHODOLOGY

Requirements Gathering

Observation Documentation analysis Prototyping requirements are modified slowly

System engineering

Waterfall Approach

Requirements gathering and analysis Design Implementation Testing

Significance of the Study

This particular study will encourage many People who were not previously interested with irrigation related activities due to fear that irrigation is the most time consuming activity The system will save time required for irrigation No more getting up early to sprinkle your tomatoes, with an automatic system, your vegetable garden is fully watered by the time you've had your first cup of coffee No worries on vacation, sufficiently irrigated even when you're away Reduced cost of operation Irrigation made easy

TOOLS/MATERIALS REQUIRED

Flash memory (USB, 8GB) Programmable scientific calculator Digital camera (12megapixel) Printer (coulored) Maple program(latest version) AutoCAD program(latest version) A timer for drip irrigation system (battery operated) Pressure regulator/backflow valve Hose-thread adaptors Main drip irrigation lines - 1/4" plastic tubing that can be cut with a scissors Assorted connectors tees (T-shaped) and elbows (right angles)
8

TOOLS/MATERIALS REQUIRED

Emitter lines 1/8-inch plastic tubing to run from main lines to emitters Emitters One to two per plant, or spaced 10 to 18 inches apart Tape measure Controllers & Sensors AC Controllers DC Controllers & Valves DC Contr. & Anti-siphon Hose End Timers Valves & Drip Zones Screen and Disc Filters
9

TOOLS/MATERIALS REQUIRED

Pressure Regulators Drip Tubing & Micro Tubing Drip Fittings PVC Fittings and Glue Threaded Fittings Two simtanks@5000Lts Two motors@100hp Latex package for typing mathematical equation One laptop computers (ram 8Gb) Matlab program(latest version) 5 rims of papers Round pipes(6mx3)10pcs for gantry fabrication A piece of land 0.25ha

10

THE END

THANK YOU FOR LISTERNING!

11