Evaluation of performance indicators for some drip irrigation systems used in cherry orchards in Ankara province

Abstract

In this study, performance tests of drip irrigation systems were carried out in cherry orchards of some farmers in Ankara. Accordingly, measurements were made on the day of irrigation in the lateral and manifold pipes of the drip irrigation systems used by the farmers. Within the scope of the research, Distribution Uniformity, Emission Uniformity, Application Efficiency, Potential and Actual Application Efficiency measurements were made in drip irrigation systems in 10 different cherry orchards. For this purpose, 4 different dripper points were determined on at least 4 lateral lines in each manifold line. Each lateral pipe and dripper point was chosen to be at the beginning of the line, 1/3 of the line, 2/3 of the distance and at the end of the line. Measurements were made on farmers’ irrigation days and under farmer conditions. According to the obtained results, the CU value was between 77.5%- 93.0%, DU value between 60.1%- 86.9%, EU value between 56.7%- 84.5% and CV value between 0.09- 0.28. As a result of the research, it has been determined that there are important design and application problems in drip irrigation systems.