Optimal settings and use for hose reel gun irrigation system

Abstract

Irrigation by hose reel gun is the most popular irrigation method in France, but water application quality remains often poor. Specially, the sensivity to wind strongly affects water distribution and increases local rainfall intensity. A semi-empirical model was developed in Cemagref, calculating spatial water distribution accounting for wind. Tests were carried out in field conditions in co-operation with Arvalis-Institute, to calibrate the model. This model was integrated with a crop model and an irrigation scheduling model allowing to simulate water distribution in an agricultural plot over several irrigation seasons. This simulation tool has been used to diagnose farmers practices and to evaluate scenarios improving water application performance. This tool was used in various areas to propose optimal settings according to climatic conditions. An example is given on potatoes in Picardie (Northern France).