Possible Energy Savings in Irrigation

Irrigation management procedures to reduce the energy required to pump irrigation water are presented. Possible energy saving techniques are: (1)Improving the pumping plant performance by adjustment or replacement; (2)reducing the amount of water pumped through utilization of irrigation scheduling procedures; (3)improving the irrigation efficiency; and (4)lowering the pressure requirements of sprinkler systems. Application of each of the aforementioned management procedures can significantly reduce the energy requirement of irrigation systems. Combining these procedures will provide attainable energy savings between 40% and 50% for surface systems and approx. 30% of sprinkler systems. Further savings with sprinkler systems are possible if lower pressures can be achieved. The percentage savings resulting from a pressure reduction depends on the lift of that system. Two other cost savings areas are off-peak scheduling to reduce peak electrical demand and the reduction of nitrogen losses through deep percolation.