Efficient water and energy use in irrigation modernization: Lessons from Spanish case studies

Tarjuelo, J.M.; Díaz, J.A. Rodríguez; Abadia, Ricardo; Camacho, E.; Rocamora, Carmen; Moreno, M.

doi:10.1016/j.agwat.2015.08.009

Cited by 140 publications

(85 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…Similarly, Alcon et al [31] studied the adoption of drip irrigation technology in southeastern Spain during the period 1975-2005 and they concluded that the main benefit of this technology was saving water. Tarjuelo et al [32] also studied the advantages of the implementation of micro-irrigation in greenhouses, reporting that there was an increase in water efficiency and productivity and an improvement in the operation and management of the working conditions of farmers. Finally, Sanchez et al [33] studied the suitability of the micro-irrigation in greenhouse production in Almería concluding that one of the main reasons for the extensive development of this horticultural system was the establishment of this irrigation technology.…”

Section: Localized Irrigation Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integral Management of Irrigation Water in Intensive Horticultural Systems of Almería

et al. 2017

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Abstract:The development of intensive horticulture in Almería, with a huge increase in greenhouse surface area, is related to three essential factors: climatic characteristics, groundwater use and mulching sandy soil. The purpose of the present paper is to draw a picture of the integral management of water irrigation in the intensive horticultural systems in the region, by identifying the most significant water resource contributions and alternative water resources. Results indicate that the use of groundwater for the irrigation of horticultural crops in the greenhouses presents a high degree of overexploitation of the aquifers, but due to the continuous search for alternative water resources, such as desalinated and reclaimed water, as well as in-depth knowledge of the integral management of water irrigation through automated fertigation and localized irrigation systems, the current status of the water resources could be sustainable. Moreover, being conscious of the pollution generated by agricultural leachates, the horticultural system of Almería is implementing complementary sustainable systems such as recirculation, cascade cropping systems and phytodepuration for the reuse of the leachate. Considering all these factors, it can be concluded that the intensive horticultural system is on the right path towards respecting the environment and being sustainable in terms of water use.

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Section: Localized Irrigation Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integral Management of Irrigation Water in Intensive Horticultural Systems of Almería

et al. 2017

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“…Along the center pivot lateral line, at the outlet end of ¾"flexib le drop pipes that are regularly spaced by approximately 2,3, there are 189 Senninger R Iwob type emitters. The pressure head at the inlet section of each one of these emitters is controlled by a 10 psi nominal pressure regulating valve (PRV), that according to the manufacturer specifications (Senninger, 2017) operates adequately in pressure range from 69 kPa (hPRV = 7.02 m) up to 690 kPa (70.36 m).…”

Section: Equi Pment Characteristicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to Tarjuelo et al (2015), it is important to implement an energy evaluation routine not only to determine the energy efficiency of an irrigation system, but also to assist in the decisions making process regarding improvements in the water distribution system, in order to optimize energy consumption and economic planning.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy Efficiency of a Center Pivot Irrigation System

et al. 2018

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This study aimed to evaluate the energy efficiency of a center pivot irrigation system operating in a terrain of variable topography. Values of Pumping Energy Efficiency (PEE), Supply Energy Efficiency (SEE), Global Energy Efficiency (GEE) and Specific Energy (Es in kWh m -3 ) computed at 18 different angular positions of the lateral line were used as energy efficiency indicators. An ultrasonic flow meter, digital pressure transducers and a power quality analyzer were used in order to evaluate hydraulic (total system flow-Q and total dynamic head-TDH) and electrical parameters (active electrical power -AEP) of the center pivot pumping unit that were required for evaluating the selected energy efficiency indictors. Topographic elevations of the water source, the pumping unit and of the center lateral line were also determined. For the center pivot lateral line, it was necessary to determine, at the 18 angular positions considered, the altitude of the track of each center pivot support tower. Results indicated that currently, even after more than 10000h of use, the center pivot system operates with satisfactory energy efficiency, as indicated by an average GEE value equal to 42.5%, that is classified as "good". Statistical analysis indicated that the topographic disposition of the center pivot lateral line, as characterized by a uphill or downhill disposition, resulted on different PEE, SEE and GEE values, while the average Es value (0.42 kWh m -3 ) was not affected by the lateral line disposition.

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“…However, neither designers nor managers could foresee the sudden rise in agricultural electricity prices in 2008, resulting from the discontinuation of the specific electricity tariff for agriculture (Rocamora et al 2013). As a consequence, in recently modernized areas, electricity costs can represent 20-25% of the total costs (Tarjuelo et al 2015). The annual investment pay-back for the collective and on-farm facilities can represent another 25-30% of the annual costs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simulation tool for advanced design and management of collective sprinkler-irrigated areas: a study case

et al. 2017

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More than one million hectares have undergone irrigation modernization in Spain during this century. Irrigation modernization to pressurized systems is currently facing challenges derived from increasing electricity prices and decreasing public subsidies. The economic viability of such projects is compromised, and the number of projects is decreasing. Pressurized collective networks are commonly designed and managed using hydraulic simulation tools and probabilistic hypotheses on hydrant use. In this paper, a simulation tool is presented that widens the scope of the analysis by combining hydraulics with agronomy, agrometeorology, solid-set sprinkler irrigation and economics. The CINTEGRAL software simulates the net benefit of the seasonal operation of a collective pressurized irrigation network. The software incorporates an optimization module for the electricity contract associated to the pumping station. CINTEGRAL runs on a time step of a half-hour, and simulates the irrigation season of a variety of crops.The software was applied to analyze the economic benefit of a Water User Association (WUA) under different design and management scenarios (ondemand, network sectoring and dividing the irrigated area in separate networks). In the

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Efficient water and energy use in irrigation modernization: Lessons from Spanish case studies

Cited by 140 publications

References 48 publications

Integral Management of Irrigation Water in Intensive Horticultural Systems of Almería

Integral Management of Irrigation Water in Intensive Horticultural Systems of Almería

Energy Efficiency of a Center Pivot Irrigation System

A simulation tool for advanced design and management of collective sprinkler-irrigated areas: a study case

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