ARS | Publication request: COMBINED LEPA AND MESA IRRIGATION ON A SITE SPECIFIC LINEAR MOVE SYSTEM

Submitted to: International Irrigation Show
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: November 6, 2005
Publication Date: November 6, 2005
Citation: Evans, R.G., Stevens, W.B., Iversen, W.M. 2005. Combined lepa and mesa irrigation on a site specific linear move system. In: Proceedings of the 26th International Irrigation Show. International Irrigation Show, November 6-8, 2005. Phoenix, Arizona. 13 pp. 2005 CDROM.

Technical Abstract: An off-the-shelf PLC-based control system has been developed and field tested to enable site-specific irrigation of multiple 50 ft X 80 ft research plots using either mid-elevation spray heads (MESA) and low energy precision application (LEPA) irrigation methods on linear move sprinkler systems. Both methods were installed on one machine to cover the same areas whereas the second system varies application depths. The irrigation method alternates or applied depths can change depending on irrigation treatment for each 50 ft plot width the machines travel down the field. Electric over air-activated control valves are installed on each gooseneck for each system. The PLC controls allow the variable treatments to be used depending on location which is provided by a low cost WAAS enabled GPS system. Pneumatic cylinders lift the LEPA heads above the MESA heads when the MESA is operating over a given plot width and length.