Difference between revisions of "Irrigation - Spray head"
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| + | * [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CFoQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.siminet.org%2Fimages%2Fpdfs%2Fsprayirrigation.pdf&ei=Dan8T5nFJ8mK2gXg9rnJCA&usg=AFQjCNETEhXHL1VdgxGT1YieeS-GPnH9Dw&sig2=9BeFd14tNvqJqf2abS7Nng Efficiency, cost, optimization and spread of spray irrigation in West Africa.] | ||
Revision as of 00:23, 11 July 2012
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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.
