Modernization of irrigation canals: the contribution of automation to operational management

Abstract

Traditional manual operation of irrigation canals has led to the development of agriculture for millennia, using the technologies available at that time. Currently, the performance of these traditional canals can no longer meet the new challenges of irrigation schemes, both in terms of available resources and of their its uses. Automation is currently one of the elements enabling to cope with these new challenges. This article discusses the limitations associated with manual operation and the benefits of automation. These benefits are explained on two aspects: water saving and improving the quality of water distribution. Finally, information is given on the various possible approaches to automating a canal.