Mathematical Approach to Optimum Drip Irrigation Subunit Design

Abstract

To increase the effectiveness of irrigation application, emission homogeneity, and economic return in the production process, drip irrigation system design is considered a crucial step.  The goal of this study is to create a mathematical solution for the impartial function, which is a function of the subunit's total annual cost and combination of hydraulic emission uniformity, to obtain a relationship between the subunit's area and lateral and manifold lengths. The impartial function is expressed in terms of fundamental design parameters such as emitter and lateral spacing as well as manifold diameter. Mathematical techniques are then utilized to select the ideal number of laterals and manifolds for a given subunit.  The results showed that the impartial function of the mathematical model increased by 6% to 64%, while the total annual cost decreased by 6% to 66% compared to the numerical model proposed in the previous study. The hydraulic emission uniformity values of the mathematical model were 89% to 97% for all cases used in this study. In general, the proposed model obtained a minimum total cost with reasonable hydraulic emission uniformity.