Difference between revisions of "Irrigation - Spray head"
(→Reference manuals, videos, and links) |
|||
| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
__NOTOC__ | __NOTOC__ | ||
[[Image:Spray_head_icon.png|right]] | [[Image:Spray_head_icon.png|right]] | ||
| − | [[Image:Spray_head.PNG|thumb|right|250px|Spray irrigation for urban market gardening in Mali.]] | + | [[Image:Spray_head.PNG|thumb|right|250px|Spray irrigation for urban market gardening in Mali. Photo: Netherlands Water Partnership.]] |
Spray-head irrigation requires pressure from pedal or motor pumps. In West Africa, the spray-head is mounted on a lay-flat hose connected to a small petrol pump. Spray irrigation is an intermediate option between a watering can and more sophisticated sprinkler or drip irrigation. It has high water use efficiency and saves energy and labour. | Spray-head irrigation requires pressure from pedal or motor pumps. In West Africa, the spray-head is mounted on a lay-flat hose connected to a small petrol pump. Spray irrigation is an intermediate option between a watering can and more sophisticated sprinkler or drip irrigation. It has high water use efficiency and saves energy and labour. | ||
Revision as of 08:01, 8 November 2012
 This article is under development. You can help Akvopedia by expanding it.
|
Spray-head irrigation requires pressure from pedal or motor pumps. In West Africa, the spray-head is mounted on a lay-flat hose connected to a small petrol pump. Spray irrigation is an intermediate option between a watering can and more sophisticated sprinkler or drip irrigation. It has high water use efficiency and saves energy and labour.
Treadle pumps combined with spray-heads are promoted by Approtec in East Africa and Enterprise Works in West Africa.
Due to its simplicity, spray irrigation technology has spread spontaneously from farmer to farmer in West-African countries such as Mali, Niger and Togo. A recent survey in Bamako, Mali, among 80 market gardeners showed that more than 60% used this method.
Suitable conditions
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| - High water use efficiency. - Saves energy and labour. |
- labour requirement could be high |
Construction, operations and maintenance
Options for optimization:
- reduce the price of equipment, including that of accessories, such as layflat hose;
- improve spraying head efficiency;
- improve pump efficiency;
- improve engine efficiency; and
- replace the petrol pump with a treadle pump.
Costs
US$ 2 - 5 for a spray-head. US$ 300 - 600 for a unit with petrol pumps.
Field experiences
Location: West Africa.
