Water pillow: A new irrigation method


GERÇEK S.

Journal of Applied Sciences, vol.6, no.2, pp.315-317, 2006 (Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 6 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Doi Number: 10.3923/jas.2006.315.317
  • Journal Name: Journal of Applied Sciences
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Aerospace Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Communication Abstracts, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.315-317
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: No

Abstract

In this technical study, a new irrigation method called Water Pillow (WP) was introduced. This new method was a combination of both drip and furrow irrigation methods. The main components of WP were portable plastic pipe and lateral. The plastic pipe was made from durable flexible polyethylene plastic material. The plastic pipe was pierced from the bottom sides with usually 1 mm hole. The diameter of the pipe, design and inter spacing of the holes depends on row spacing, crop and soil types. The length of plastic pipe can be arranged as the length of row. For irrigation practice, the plastic pipe was laid over soil surface between rows throughout the row length and its end was tied up then the water was filled throughout the lateral from the top part of the plastic pipe, the plastic pipe was tied up again. Water in the pipe infiltrates into soil in both vertical and horizontal directions like a drip irrigation method. The WP method does not need external energy for irrigation operation as compared to pressurized irrigation systems. The pipe remains over row space from first irrigation till harvest. On the other hand, the method has also some advantages such as preventing erosion, run off and weed control as well as efficient use of water and labor and it may also provide more crop yields. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.