Instructor(s): Derek Heeren
Number of Credit Hours: 3
Crosslistings: AGEN/MSYM 854
Prerequisites: AGEN 453/853, or MSYM 452/852
Description: A laboratory and field course which emphasizes irrigation water supply and distribution systems. Laboratory topics include performance of surface, sprinkler, and drip irrigation systems; pipeline hydraulics; flow in streams, canals, and irrigation pipelines; irrigation pumping systems; irrigation well hydraulics; and soil water properties. The field trip includes visits to irrigation water supply and hydroelectric power projects; water resources agencies; irrigation field research sites; and manufacturers and installers of agricultural irrigation systems.
Learning Outcomes/Course Objectives
- Measure soil water content, measure soil matric potential, and locate soil water properties for a specific field using web-based sources.
- Measure water flow rates in irrigation pipelines and open channels, calculate water application rates and volumes, and calculate water measurement accuracy.
- Measure the water application uniformity and application efficiency of furrow, sprinkler and drip irrigation systems.
- Develop performance curves for irrigation pumps and calculate the discharge-pressure-relationships for multiple pumps placed in series and in parallel with one another.
- Measure the pressure loss due to friction in irrigation mainlines and laterals.
- Measure drawdown in irrigation wells and calculate the specific capacity of a production well.
- Appreciate the many facets that are needed to successfully develop and manage irrigated agricultural production by observing the role of the manufacturing industry, water supply and regulatory agencies, research organizations, extension education, agricultural businesses, and farmers.