RIRR – NEW OPEN-SOURCE MODEL FOR THE DESIGN, ANALYSIS AND MODELLING OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

References: 16th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2016, SGEM Vienna GREEN Extended Scientific Sessions, www.sgemviennagreen.org, SGEM2016 Conference Proceedings, ISBN 978-619-7105-81-0 / ISSN 1314-2704, 2 - 5 November, 2016, Book 3 Vol. 3, 251-258pp, DOI: 10.5593/SGEM2016/HB33/S02.032

ABSTRACT

We describe a new model, RIRR, which can be used for the design and management of sprinkler irrigation systems. The model was created in the environment of open-source statistical software R because of the random nature of many inputs in the analysis of irrigation systems. R statistical tools are also suitable for the analysis of results of modelling an irrigation system with highly variable operation. We describe models of the irrigation reservoir and pressurised water distribution system. Hydraulic analysis of the irrigation network system is useful for the optimisation and modernization of the system. During its life cycle, the system must meet its designed requirements in various circumstances. The needs of users and the original equipment in the irrigation network may change, necessitating reanalysis of the irrigation system. It is therefore desirable to develop software that evaluates these changes or even designs a new irrigation network. Currently, the most widely used software for the analysis of pressurised water systems is EPANET. We represent our package for the R programming language, in which the toolkit EPANET is embedded. The paper describes the RIRR model and gives examples of its application.

Keywords: EPANET, R, irrigation, network