Study on the Problem of Emitters Clogging in Drip Irrigation Systems under Hoi Clhuattc Conditions

Abstract

A survey study to was corrie of out investigate various factors influencing emitters clogging in 12 farms with total area of 38050 hectares in Riyadh province -Saudi Arabia. Results show that all studied farms had emitters clogging problem, and emitters clogging might occur as shortly as one month of emitters use. The survey shows a relation' between irrigation water, and emitters type and clogging problem. It found that RIS Turbo-key emitter was the highest emitter a.Tected by clogging. on the other hand, clogging will be more pronounced if irrigation water is from under groundwater. Settlement of suspended solid particles, micro-organisms, organic matter and precipitation of salts are the main causes of clogging. Irrigation water mostly obtained from underground sources, generally carries calcium and bicarbonate salts. Under hot climatic conditions, these salts are deposited in the emitters plugging the flow path. Rsults of this study identifying the various factors influencing the problem under local conditions, which will help in prevent the clogging problem and improvieg irrigation efficiency.