SENSITIVITY OF MICROIRRIGATION SYSTEM PRESSURE TO EMITTER PLUGGING AND LATERAL-LINE PERFORATIONS

A model was developed for relating hydraulic characteristics of a micr oirrigation system to pump performance and emitter plugging. Data from field trials were used to verify the model. The model was then used t o determine pressure sensitivity at several system locations for diffe rent scenarios of partial and full emitter plugging, and of lateral pe rforations. Partial clogging of 5% of the emitters on a lateral can be readily detected with pressure transducers located at either the late ral or manifold inlets. Similarly, pressure transducers can detect pre ssure differences due to minor perforations in the laterals. Pressure change sensitivity due to clogging or perforations depends on the hydr aulic characteristics of the pump and the irrigation system.