Study of emitter clogging by means of different irrigation quality indexes using reclaimed water

Abstract

In this work, the evolution of six irrigation quality indexes was studied using treated wastewater, according to the treatment applied, the type of emitter, its hydraulic behavior and its insertion form. A total of 20 emitters from 10 different manufacturers and flow rates between 2.0 and 4.0 l/h were analyzed. There were three irrigation treatments: AR (regenerated water), AR-FR (regenerated water + fertilization with standard ionic solution) and AR-FR-M (regenerated water + standard ionic fertilization + maintenance). The results show a better performance of the AR-FR-M treatment, with no relationship between quality indexes and type of emitter, although there is a relationship with the way of insertion. The compensating drippers show a better performance. In conclusion, fertigation without maintenance is not recommended, under any of the conditions, since it affects the clogging of the emitters and, therefore, the uniformity of the installation.

Keywords

• riego localizado
• atascamiento
• índices de calidad del riego
• aguas residuales depuradas