Application and Evaluation of Performance Quality of Hose-Reel Irrigation Machine

Abstract

Considering the global tendency in water saving, this research is focused on practical measurements of even distribution of water. The performance quality is determined by values of coefficients of distribution uniformity and non-uniformity given in percentages. Objects of investigation were belt irrigators with varying input conditions (seven pieces). Testing of hose-reel irrigators took place in Southern and Western Slovakia. Tests were carried out during irrigation of selected agricultural crops (potatoes, vegetables); in these areas, rainwater vessels were distributed at a spacing of 1 or 2 m, perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bracket or tripod with a gun sprinkler. The input conditions, such as machine specifications and weather conditions, were monitored and evaluated for all variants. The data were also analysed along with the linear model through statistical analysis software - one-way analysis of variance ANOVA. Considering the results, it is possible to conclude that there were recorded statistically significant differences for uniformity coefficients, depending not only on the site but also on the specific evaluation methodology (P > 0.05). If the input conditions (site, type of irrigator, sprinkler) were changed, the effect of dependence was demonstrated to a much greater extent (P <0.05, F = 7.08> Fcrit). The results of the non-uniformity coefficients confirmed the statistically significant differences not only in the sample sets of coefficients but also in the selection sets of conditions.