The Mathematics of Irrigation – Part 1 and 2

Description

Format: Online Webinar

• IA – 2 CEU
• NJ – 2 WC CEC
• NCICLB Course #12197 – 2 irrigation CEUs
• ORLCB – 2 CEHs
• QWEL – 2 CEUs
• FNGLA – 2 CEUs

Instructors: Dr. Nick Christians, Dr. Adam Thoms

Irrigation is necessary for optimal plant growth and very seldom is the new system designed to meet those needs. This requires additions or changes to the original system to improve the coverage. Before making these additions or changes, they need to be planned to ensure the coverage will actually be better, not made worse. Simple mathematical equations can help with that planning. Also, irrigation managers and contractors need to know how long the run times should be without relying on default choices or guessing. There are simple equations that will help find those answers.
This two-part course will cover basic mathematical equations that make improving and managing an irrigation system accurate and efficient:
Part 1 of the webinar shows how to use equations to help decide if the water source and irrigation system is enough to add more sprinklers or zones or how long the existing irrigation system can run using the available water source and system. It will also show the equations used to determine the water is necessary to water an area and use the cost of water per unit to decide the budget for water use.
Part 2 of the webinar uses equations to calculate required flow rate, as well as presenting how every component of the system must be able to handle the required flow rate. This part will also show how to calculate how much water is needed using two quick equations: the precipitation rate and station run time. These equations will be presented with examples.