Design and implementation of solar pump irrigation systems for the optimization of irrigation and increase of productivity

Abstract

The irrigation solar water pump system is a technological innovation using water pumps that are more efficient and economical. The aims of this study are: (1) to design an efficient solar pump irrigation system for shallots and red chili, and (2) to measure the irrigation efficiency of the solar pump irrigation system. The configuration of the solar water pump irrigation system should be determined on the basis of (1) the pump performance curve, (2) the irrigation system performance curve and (3) the pump discharge and the operating pressure curve. Our results show that the operational duration of the pump for 7.59 hours/day in Playen Sub- District, Gunungkidul was able to irrigate 2,333 m2, while in Imogiri Sub-District, Bantul a regime of 5.42 hours/day could irrigate 3,630 m2. Irrigation techniques using Impact Sprinklers for shallots and Streamlines for red chili, when combined with mulch could increase the growth and yield of shallots and red chili crops compared to the patterns and methods practiced by farmers. The efficiency of the solar water pump irrigation system should be further improved by a more detailed calculation of water supply pumping power calculation in order to increase the planting capacity of farm.