Click on “Download PDF” for the PDF version or on the title for the HTML version.


If you are not an ASABE member or if your employer has not arranged for access to the full-text, Click here for options.

Improvements in Design and Installation of Mechanized Level-Basin Systems

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 5(3): 372-378. (doi: 10.13031/2013.26530) @1989
Authors:   A. R. Dedrick
Keywords:   Automation, Irrigation management, Irrigation scheduling, Mechanization

Of the eight mechanized level-basin irrigation systems designed and installed in the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District in southwest Arizona over the past 13 years, the last two include features that provide greater reliability and ease of operation and installation. These features include the use of enclosures for housing valves, electrical wiring and plastic tubing; flexible PVC pipe for encasement transitions; electrical feedback from the gates to provide an indication of gate operation; a battery backup system intended for protection against short-term power outages and an alarm clock to provide station elapsed time. These two mechanized level-basin systems were designed using electrical/mechanical controllers because of problems encountered previously with electronic controllers. The annual costs of these "fully automated" systems ranged from $55/ha to $77/ha ($22/acre and $31/acre). The annual cost, on a per gate basis, ranged from $245 to $275.

(Download PDF)    (Export to EndNotes)