Evaluation of Hydraulic and Irrigation Performances of Drip Systems in Nectarine Orchards (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) in The Mediterranean Region

Abstract

This study focused on evaluating the performance of the drip irrigation systems installed in 18 different nectarines (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) orchards in the Tarsus Plain in the Mediterranean region from 2017 through 2018. The performance of the drip systems was evaluated based on parameters like average emitter discharge (Qavg), Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CU), distribution uniformity (DU), emission uniformity (EU), and system application efficiency (Ea). The results indicated that the CU varied between 81 and 98%; DU changed from 82 to 97%; EU 61-92%; absolute emission uniformity (EUa) ranged between 93 and 98%; statistical uniformity (Us) changed from 85 to 97%; application efficiency of low-quarter (AELQ) varied between 45 and 97%; potential application efficiency of low-quarter (PELQ) ranged between 55 and 83%; system application efficiency (Ea) changed from 56 to 96%; storage efficiency (Es) fluctuated between 45 and 97%; and pressure variation (Pv) 17-81% and emitter flow variations (qv) of 2-36% were determined. Although the CU, DU, and EU values were acceptable, the variations in emitter flow rates and pressures were not acceptable. The results revealed that the lower performances might be attributed to physical clogging and/or lack of system design and application practices by the farmers. It is recommended that the farmers receive appropriate training on the operation and management of drip irrigation systems.