Hydraulic and energy efficiency: the new performance criteria for future irrigation systems

Abstract

In order to evaluate modern irrigation systems performances, productivity and economic profitability are the main criteria used, even if robustness and flexibility of the equipment are also taken into account. However, with the increasing tension on the resources, there is a growing interest in indicators taking into account water and energy factors. Available data are not sufficiently representative for a very detailed analysis of hydraulic and energetic efficiency, however, it is possible to give some some orders of magnitude. Regarding water efficiency, the reasons of losses or wastage are numerous, they may be related to lack of maintenance, to obsolete equipment or to the conditions under which the material is used. Regarding energy efficiency, the sizing of pumping stations is generally the most important point, but there is also certain margin of progress with the choice of equipment or their mode of functioning. Some energetic and hydraulic performance diagnostics in irrigation would improve the situation, but it is also useful to acquire more references in order to better understand the "water" and "energy" footprint of agricultural production.