1. Stacia Davis, M.E. E.I.T. Agricultural & Biological Engineering Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)‏ Landscape Fundamentals IST Wimauma, FL Feb 10, 2009 Proper Design and Installation

2. © University of Florida Efficiency and Uniformity Sprinkler Spacing Microirrigation layout Pressure Piping and Wiring Proper Design and Installation

3. © University of Florida What is efficiency? Ratio of water used beneficially to water applied Beneficial use  Water utilized for plant growth Example: An empty lot Goal: Apply ½ inch of water to ¼ acre lot Vol of water required = 0.5 in*0.25 ac*(27154 gal/ac-in) = 3,400 gal Vol of water applied = 4,000 gal Efficiency = 3,400 gal = 0.85 = 85% 4,000 gal

4. © University of Florida Efficiency for residential systems 100% efficiency is not practical 70%-90% is a good target Commonly seen as low as 15%-50% Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

5. © University of Florida What is the big deal? Large volumes of wasted water Increased water bills Increased demand on the resource Water supply is limited! Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

6. © University of Florida Components of Efficiency Even application Wind drift Broken equipment Equipment not adjusted properly Separation of plant materials with different water requirements Pressure

7. © University of Florida Photo credit: Michael D. Dukes

8. © University of Florida Photo credit: Stacia L. Davis

9. Over-irrigation = wasted water Root Zone Identify DRY and WET areas

11. © University of Florida How do you measure uniformity? Photo credit: Stacia L. Davis

12. © University of Florida How do you measure uniformity? Photo credit: Stacia L. Davis

13. © University of Florida Arranged by increasing depth collected Average = 0.5 inches Average = 0.8 inches Low Quarter

14. © University of Florida Efficiency and Uniformity Sprinkler Spacing Microirrigation layout Pressure Piping and Wiring Proper Design and Installation

15. © University of Florida Spacing types Square Triangular Head-to-Head coverage

16. © University of Florida Spacing type: Square Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

17. © University of Florida Spacing type: Triangular Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art

18. © University of Florida Efficiency and Uniformity Sprinkler Spacing Microirrigation layout Pressure Piping and Wiring Proper Design and Installation

19. © University of Florida Sometimes called “Low Volume Irrigation” Targets root ball of plant being watered Most efficient type of irrigation Decreases water loss from ET, wind, and runoff Minimizes the following problems Pests Weeds Disease Erosion

20. © University of Florida Emitter Types In-line tubing Drip emitters Micro-sprays Bubblers Photo by Jeff Vanuga, USDA NRCS Photo by Lynn Betts, USDA NRCS

21. © University of Florida Photo credit: Michael D. Dukes Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS

22. © University of Florida Photo credit: Michael D. Dukes

23. © University of Florida Efficiency and Uniformity Sprinkler Spacing Microirrigation layout Pressure Piping and Wiring Proper Design and Installation

24. © University of Florida No more than 10% pressure loss through system Photo credit: IAEF.org

25. © University of Florida Photo credit: Michael D. Dukes

26. © University of Florida Efficiency and Uniformity Sprinkler Spacing Microirrigation layout Pressure Piping and Wiring Proper Design and Installation

27. © University of Florida Piping should be sized to handle the maximum pressure of the source. Piping should be buried ~ 3 feet below the soil surface. Generally, this does not happen in Florida. Wiring should be run underneath the piping to avoid accidents.

28. © University of Florida Photo credit: Michael D. Dukes

29. © University of Florida Photo credit: Microsoft Clip Art