Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Design, Construction And Evaluation Of A Fueltank/Tool Box Combination, Michael R. Chase Jr

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This project is the design and development of a combination tool box and auxiliary fuel tank built as a single unit, specifically built for a 2000 Ford F250 short bed truck; having a fuel capacity exceeding 50 gallons; meeting federal requirements for motor vehicle fuel tanks; performing as an auxiliary tank using the factory fuel gauge and having a tool box that can carry a wide array of tools. This paper will describe the design considerations, the regulation requirements, the material selection, and the construction process of the combination tool box/fuel tank.

Water Conservation's Role In California Water Transfers, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This paper describes various irrigation district water transfer projects. Water transfers have been of many types, including agriculture to agriculture, agriculture to urban, and agriculture to environment. In each case that will be described, the unique circumstances of each district will be described. Typical actions include developing a water balance to determine if “wet water” truly exists for conservation, then identifying the sources of that wet water. Subsequent actions include developing designs that will conserve the water, achieving board approval, and constructing and implementing the conservation measures.

Increasing Productivity In Irrigated Agriculture: Agronomic Constraints And Hydrological Realities, Chris Perry, Pasquale Steduto, Richard C. Allen, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Irrigation is widely criticised as a profligate and wasteful user of water, especially in watershort areas. Improvements to irrigation management are proposed as a way of increasing agricultural production and reducing the demand for water. The terminology for this debate is often flawed, failing to clarify the actual disposition of water used in irrigation into evaporation, transpiration, and return flows that may, depending on local conditions, be recoverable. Once the various flows are properly identified, the existing literature suggests that the scope for saving consumptive use of water through advanced irrigation technologies is often limited. Further, the interactions between evaporation …

Variability Within Irrigated Fields, Charles M. Burt, Byron Clark

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

In agricultural production and research, it is common to represent fields as uniform areas. For example, fertilizers, soil amendments, and other inputs have traditionally been applied uniformly (or as uniformly as possible) based on estimated needs for the field as a whole (or as an “average”).

Of course, it is also recognized that fields are not truly uniform with respect to soil characteristics, uniformity of applied water, pest pressures, fertility needs, crop growth and yield, and other characteristics. With the emergence and refinement of variable rate application technology, many growers now attempt to maximize returns by “prescribing” variable amounts of …

Evaluation Of Magnetic Meters For Irrigation Pipeline Measurement, Stuart Styles, Bryan Busch

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Magnetic flow meters are used to measure the flow rate of a liquid in a closed pipeline. This type of meter is becoming increasingly popular for measurement with agriculture applications. Electromagnetic meters were tested by the Irrigation Training and Research Center in pipelines located less than the 10 diameters upstream of disturbances with good results. Results show that location guidelines for placing a magnetic meter can be decreased even for turbulent conditions. This paper will discuss how a magnetic flow meter works, advantages and disadvantages of this type of meter, test results, and new guidelines for field applications.

Canal Seepage Reduction By Soil Compaction, Charles M. Burt, Marcus Gardenas, Mohamed Grissa

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Large-scale tests were conducted of in-place compaction of irrigation district earthen canal bottoms and sides. Five canal pools with sandy loam soils were compacted. Seepage reduction of about 86% was obtained when the sides and bottoms were compacted; reductions of 12 – 31% were obtained when only sides were compacted.

Improving Pump Performance, Charles M. Burt, Frankline Gaudi, Daniel J. Howes

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Options can be specified to minimize power consumption by vertical pumps – both when new and over the life of the pump. Options discussed include bowl coatings, proper well development, improved suction screens, using closed impeller designs, increasing column size, using new bearings, providing proper bearing lubrication, impeller balancing, and polishing impellers. The proper TDH and flow rate must be specified, and the advantages of VFD controls are covered.

Agricultural Water Conservation And Efficiency In California - A Commentary, Charles M. Burt, Peter Canessa, Lawrence J. Schwankl, David F. Zoldoske

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This is a Commentary on some of the key points that are presented in “More with Less: Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency in California” by Cooley, ChristianSmith, and Gleick of the Pacific Institute, September 2008 (referred to as the “PacInst Paper” in the remainder of this discussion).

The authors of this Commentary have over 120 years combined of experience in agricultural and landscape irrigation. They have worked world-wide in design and installation of all types of irrigation systems (including automated drip systems from 1975 on), design and implementation of irrigation scheduling programs since 1977; design and implementation of water conservation …

Avoiding Common Problems With Drip Tape, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This publication is meant to help farmers, dealers, and manufacturers recognize and understand some of the problems that have been experienced with drip tape – problems that are quite different from manufacturing defects. Problems that are quickly detected and properly identified can often be remedied, or be avoided in the future. The report addresses drip tape damage caused by pests, installation, emitter pressure, plugging, and other categories.

Technical Concepts Related To Conservation Of Irrigation And Rain Water In Agricultural Systems, A. J. Clemmens, R. G. Allen, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Forty percent of freshwater withdrawals in the United States are for irrigated agriculture, which contribute more than $50 billion to the economy. Increasing diversions of water for urban, environmental, and other uses will likely decrease water available to agriculture. Water conservation in agriculture is touted as a good method for minimizing the impact of reduced agricultural diversions on production. Because “wasted” water is often reused until it reaches the ocean, there are limitations to the true water savings that result from programs that aim to increase irrigation efficiency. True water savings can come from four areas: reduction of unnecessary evaporation …

Accuracy Of Global Microirrigation Distribution Uniformity Estimates, Stuart W. Styles, Charles M. Burt, Franklin Gaudi, Sierra Layous

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Emitter pressures and flow rates were systematically and extensively sampled in one drip and one microspray field. The data distributions are presented. The accuracy of rapid (limited samples) evaluation pressure sampling procedures was found to be quite good if the pressure distribution was systematic, but erroneous if the pressure distribution throughout a field was random. A simple mathematical combination of two nonuniformity components (due to pressure differences, and other causes of flow variation) provided a better estimate of overall system distribution uniformity than more complex mathematics.

Conversion To Groundwater Pumping With Drip/Micro Irrigation Systems, Charles M. Burt, Monte Soto

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Twenty one irrigation districts in the Central Valley reported “conversion acres”. Conversion acres are those on which farmers used only groundwater for drip/micro irrigation although surface irrigation water was available.

The twenty one districts include about 2 million acres of irrigated area. Approximately 3.6% of that acreage (73,000 acres) has been “converted” to groundwater when farmers switched to drip/micro. Fourteen of these districts anticipate more conversion in the future. ITRC thinks that the conversion will be more rapid and greater than district personnel suspect.

The dominant factor that influences the conversion was the lack of flexible water delivery service to …

Electric Motor Efficiency Under Variable Frequencies And Loads, Charles M. Burt, Xianshu Piao, Franklin Gaudi, Bryan Busch, N. F. N. Taufik

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This paper details a study performed by the Irrigation Training and Research Center to determine motor performances under varying speeds [induced by a variable frequency drives (VFD) controller] and loads. A further goal of the study was to provide sufficient information to designers so that they could estimate total pumping plant power usage with a VFD-controlled installation. Motors were tested with a VFD as well as across-the-line. On average, the relative efficiency of the electrical system with a VFD may be approximately 8% lower than the relative efficiency of a properly designed, full-load across-the-line system. If one considers actual field …

Simulated Effects Of Reflective Mulch On Energy And Water Conservation In Semi-Arid Central California Greenhouses, T. Mehlitz, Ilhami Yildiz, S. Rahman, C. Hardin

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

In addition to the labor, energy and water consumption are the two main cost drivers in current greenhouse systems. Consequently, considerable effort is expended to conserve energy and water, and look for alternative energy sources. Greenhouses in hot and arid regions also require large quantities of water for irrigation. Proper environmental management systems can significantly change the energy and moisture dynamics of greenhouse production systems. This study aims to focus on reducing energy and water consumption in semi-arid California greenhouses. Influences of mulch (having different reflectivities) on energy and water conservation were investigated. The reflectivity of mulch used as a …

Design And Evaluation Of A Greenhouse Interface For Climate Control Programming And Networking, G. Diaz, S. F. Kelly, Ilhami Yildiz

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

At Cal Poly the motto is “Learn by Doing”. In the College of Agriculture, this is especially true and many of the labs provide an opportunity for students to implement this philosophy. Updated climate controls were installed in a series of greenhouses on the top floor of the Agricultural Science building that are used for student and faculty research projects. A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was installed to actuate the various vents, shading, heating, cooling and irrigation. A control program was developed to control and log temperatures and other operating parameters to monitor the greenhouse. An easy to use computer …

Simulated Effects Of Various Environmental Management Practices On Energy Consumption In Open And Confined Greenhouse Systems, Ilhami Yildiz, D. P. Stombaugh

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of relative humidity, light management levels, minimum ventilation rates, CO₂ enrichment and canopy size on energy consumption in three different greenhouse systems (conventional, open-loop heat pump, and confined heat pump) in winter, spring, and summer months. No difference was observed in energy consumption with relative humidity set point levels in winter due to the already low relative humidity levels. Some differences were observed in spring and summer due to extra dehumidification required to maintain the inside relative humidity at lower levels. Energy consumption in summer was reduced up to …

Irrigation District Energy Survey, Charles M. Burt, Daniel J. Howes

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This survey was completed by ITRC on behalf of the California Energy Commission Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Program. The purpose of the survey was to establish a benchmark for the present status of the pumping systems used by agricultural water districts in California and to determine the districts' needs. The needs discussed involve technical assistance, research grant and low-interest loan funding, and district-related policy issues. Thirty agricultural water districts were selected for the survey. These districts were selected based on energy use per acre of irrigated area, size, geographic location, and distribution infrastructure.

Simulated Effects Of Dynamic Row Spacing On Energy And Water Conservation In Semi-Arid Central California Greenhouses, A. Moya, T. Mehlitz, Ilhami Yildiz, S. F. Kelly, C. Hardin

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Considerable effort is expended to conserve energy and water in current greenhouse systems, and look for alternative energy sources, especially passive heating and cooling strategies. Proper environmental management systems can significantly change the energy and moisture dynamics of greenhouse production systems. In this study, specifically, influences of dynamic row spacing on energy and water conservation were investigated. A dynamic computer simulation model was used to compare different row spacings, plant heights, and leaf dimensions to draw a conclusion about energy and water conservation. The results showed that using smaller spacings between cucumber crop rows (for instance, 0.5 m instead of …

Simulated Performance Of A Renewable Energy Technology – Heat Pump Systems In Semi-Arid California Greenhouses, C. Hardin, T. Mehlitz, Ilhami Yildiz, S. F. Kelly

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

In addition to the labor, energy and water consumption are the two main cost drivers in current greenhouse systems. Consequently, considerable effort is expended to conserve energy and water, and look for alternative energy sources, especially environmentally friendly renewable energy sources and technologies. Greenhouses in hot and arid regions also require large quantities of water for irrigation. Using proper technologies and environmental management systems can significantly change the energy and moisture dynamics of greenhouse production systems. This study aims to focus on reducing natural gas, electricity, and water consumption in semi-arid California greenhouses introducing renewable energy heat pump technologies to …

Simulated Effects Of Various Environmental Management Practices On Water Consumption In Open And Confined Greenhouse Systems, Ilhami Yildiz, D. P. Stombaugh

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of relative humidity, light management, minimum ventilation rates, CO₂ enrichment and canopy size on water consumption in three different greenhouse systems (conventional, open heat pump, and confined heat pump) in winter, spring, and summer months. Using different relative humidity set points resulted in almost the same relative humidity regimes within the confined greenhouse system, resulting in similar transpiration rates. No difference was observed in transpiration rates in the open system in winter either, because the inside relative humidity levels never reached the 70% and 80% set points. Some differences …

Spatial Distributions Of Heating, Cooling, And Industrial Degree-Days In Turkey, Ilhami Yildiz, B. Sosaoglu

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The degree-day method is commonly used to estimate energy consumption for heating and cooling in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in greenhouses, livestock facilities, storage facilities and warehouses. This article presents monthly and yearly averages and spatial distributions of heating, cooling, and industrial degree-days at the base temperatures of 18 °C and 20 °C, 18 °C and 24 °C, and 7 °C and 13 °C, respectively; as well as the corresponding number of days in Turkey. The findings presented here will facilitate the estimation of heating and cooling energy consumption for any residential, commercial and industrial buildings …

Volumetric Irrigation Water Pricing Considerations, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Volumetric water pricing is a popular topic within donor agencies for irrigation project modernization and sustainability. Implementation of an effective pricing program is quite complex and requires consideration of physical modernization, fee structure, enforcement procedures, and the level of water delivery service. Variations of volumetric water pricing and allocation are discussed.

Flexible Irrigation Systems: Concept, Design And Application, John L. Merriam, Stuart W. Styles, Beau J. Freeman

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This paper presents the need, value, and concept of flexible irrigation water supply systems that can deliver water with flexibility in frequency, rate, and duration under the control of the farmer at the point of application using a limited rate arranged-demand or other schedule. It introduces the needed terminology including “congestion” — how much reserve time and capacity is required to assure water delivery at the frequency and rate desired. An illustrative design procedure for the necessary pipeline and reservoir capacities is illustrated. The techniques discussed emphasize the conversion of the economical steady supply canal flows to flexible on-farm usage …

Flap Gate, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

ITRC began to investigate early designs of Flap Gates in 1992. The gates originated in The Netherlands in the 1940s, but no design criteria were available. ITRC developed an Excel design program that uses a combination of theory and coefficients from field results – and has continued to improve the program almost every year. District staff at Turlock ID and Chowchilla WD provided valuable feedback with early models. This report includes information on design, installation, maintenance, water conservation and efficiency, cost, use, and benefits.

ITRC Flap Gates are typically used with a concrete counterweight in situations where the gates are …

General Irrigation Consumer Bill Of Rights, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Cal Poly ITRC, together with various irrigation industry leaders and the Irrigation Dealers Association of California, plus with assistance from the California Energy Commission and Pacific Gas & Electric Co., developed the Irrigation Consumer Bill of Rights (ICBR) in 1994.

Volumetric Water Pricing, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This document discusses the concept of volumetric pricing for irrigation water, including:

1. The justification for paying volumetrically

2. The challenge of charging volumetrically

3. Characteristics of volumetric charges and influencing factors

4. Examples of irrigation projects with volumetric charges

5. A summary of necessary conditions for volumetric billing

Monitoring And Evaluation (M&E) Of Capacity Development For Irrigation Modernization, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Effective capacity development monitoring and evaluation (M&E) depends first upon targeted capacity development programs, with well-defined and attainable objectives that can be evaluated after completion of the program. This paper focuses on capacity development related to technical issues of irrigation modernization.

ITRC performs diagnostic research on irrigation projects and field irrigation systems in advance of developing targeted capacity development programs. If the capacity development is appropriate, and if it is targeted in both content and to specific audiences, one can expect an eventual improvement in post-capacity-building performance. ITRC has found that the improvements are incremental, and often require substantial changes …

Surface Drip Tape Irrigation Systems As An Alternative To Sdi For Field And Row Crops, Charles M. Burt

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

In recent years, new equipment and techniques developed by farmers and private industry have improved the suitability of surface drip tape as an alternative to subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) for field crops and vegetable crops in highly mechanized farming. Retrievable drip tape systems now lack many of the disadvantages of SDI, yet provide the advantages typically expected from drip irrigation. Tape retrieval practices have now reached well beyond the theoretical realm to the point that they dominate drip systems for cauliflower, lettuce, celery, and broccoli on the Central Coast of California. It is expected that drip design and practices will …

Non-Standard Structure Flow Measurement Evaluation Using The Flow Rate Indexing Procedure - Qip, Stuart W. Styles, Bryan Busch, Daniel J. Howes, Marcus Cardenas

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This report details the proper installation and calibration techniques for hydroacoustic meters. The calibration procedure developed as part of this study is called the Flow Rate Indexing Procedure (QIP). The QIP can be competed by a professional technician with a boat-mounted Acoustic Doppler Profiler (ADP) or a standard current meter. Once the QIP has been used to properly calibrate a hydroacoustic flow meter, the device can then measure and record the flow rate and volume in a channel to within +/- 6% of actual values.

Simulated Performances Of A Heat Pump System For Energy And Water Conservation In Open And Confined Greenhouse Systems, Ilhami Yildiz, D. P. Stombaugh

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the performances of conventional and heat pump systems for energy and water conservation in open and confined greenhouse systems. Conventional gas furnaces and evaporative cooling, respectively, provided heating and cooling in the conventional system. In the heat pump systems, gas-fired heat pump units provided both heating and cooling. The greenhouse with heat pump units also had an option to be operated as a completely confined system, using one of the heat pump units as a dehumidifier. Average energy consumption in winter was 56.9, 23.5, and 11.3 MJ/day.m² in the conventional, …