EFFECT OF HYDRAULIC HEADS ON WATER APPLICATION RATE, VARIATION AND UNIFORMITY COEFFICIENT ON DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM

The study evaluated the performance of drip irrigation system under different hydraulic heads using drip giving set as emitter. A plot was equally divided into three sub-plots and three lateral each with 2.4m length were laid on the ground. A plastic tank reservoir was provided to each plot with metal stands which suspended the tank from the ground surface. The height of the tank were varied from 0.5m, 1.0m, and 1.5m for plots A,B and C respectively, so as to vary the hydraulic head as well as hydraulic pressure. The system performance was tested for its water application rate, uniformity coefficient, manufacturing coefficient of variationand discharge relationship. The study reveal that, the maximum discharge rate of 0.410,0.210 and 0.200 lt/hr for plot A, b and C respectively were obtained in the drip arrangement which falls within the acceptable range of 0.2 to20Ltrs/hr as recommended for micro-irrigation system by many literatures.Coefficient of uniformity of 68, 74 and 99 percent for plot C, B and A respectively were obtained for the system also falls within the acceptable range except manufacturing coefficient of variation which is marginal to unacceptable range of drip irrigation system