Surge Irrigation in Nigeria
Surge irrigation system is a type of irrigation system that applies water to the furrows in a farmland. Surge irrigation is an adaptation of the furrow/flood irrigation used by conventional farmers in Nigeria.
A surge irrigation system is also known as a gated pipe irrigation system or slide gate pipe irrigation system. It can also be referred to as a gated hose irrigation system. Typically, the surge valve irrigation system includes a hose or pipe (8-18 inches in diameter), gated valves or gates placed on the pipes or hoses, main lines that bring water from the source, and sometimes a water pump that pumps water into the pipes or hoses.
Components of a Surge Valve Irrigation System in Nigeria
The following are the components of a Surge valve irrigation system:
- Surge Hose or Pipe
- Gates or Gated Valves
- Gated Pipes End Cap or Hose
- Surge Hose Joiners
- Main Line
- Valves
- Backflow Valve
How Surge Irrigation Works
Surge irrigation works by intermittently applying water to furrows, affecting how water infiltrates the soil. When water first hits the soil, it infiltrates quickly, but the rate slows down to a near-constant level as the flow continues. When the water is paused, the surface soil consolidates, forming a partial seal that reduces the intake rate when water is reapplied. This causes more water to move down the furrow with less infiltration into the soil.
High infiltration rates can lead to problems like deep percolation and uneven water distribution, reducing irrigation efficiency. Surge flow improves irrigation by ensuring more uniform water application. Instead of manual on-off control, an irrigation surge valve alternates water flow between gates. Cycle times vary based on soil texture, slope, and field length. Coarse-textured soils with higher initial intake rates benefit more from surge irrigation than fine-textured soils. However, steep slopes and low intake rates in compacted or tight soils can limit its effectiveness.
Surge irrigation can reduce runoff by using short cycles after water reaches the end of the field, maintaining high uniformity and improving overall performance. Additionally, the surge valve automates furrow irrigation, enhancing system management without significantly increasing labor.
Crops suitable for Surge Irrigation System
The following are some of the crops surge irrigation system can be used for:
- Onions
- Wheat
- Rice
- Millet
- Sorghum
- Carrot
- Fonio
- Maize
- Pepper etc.
Benefits of Using a Gated Pipe Irrigation System
The following are the benefits of using a Gated Pipe irrigation System:
- The surge irrigation system can be an affordable way to irrigate hard-to-water crops like rice.
- It ensures that the roots of plants receive water more efficiently than sprinkler irrigation.
- This system is not as expensive as other irrigation methods and can be easily dismantled and re-installed.
- The gated pipe irrigation system supports year-round farming.
- Using the surge valve irrigation system can result in labor cost savings compared to traditional furrow or flood irrigation.
- Additionally, the surge valve irrigation system can saturate farmland with water, potentially eradicating nematodes.
A Case of Ahmed, a Rice Farmer in Nasarawa State who Uses Surge Irrigation System
Ahmed, a 45 year-old rice farmer in Nasarawa State, has embraced modern agricultural techniques to enhance his crop yield and optimize water usage. Hitherto, Ahmed uses flood irrigation system for growing rice. He ensures that his whole field is saturated with water.
By adopting surge irrigation, Ahmed has not only improved the efficiency of water distribution on his farm but also contributed to sustainable farming practices. Using surge irrigation system has enabled Ahmed to save water and also significantly increase his yield.
Ahmed is one of the few farmers using surge irrigation system to grow rice in Nigeria.
Do you want to use surge irrigation system? If yes, please contact us on 08025141924 or sales@veggiegrow.ng.
Read our latest article on how to install a surge valve irrigation system
