Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the surface of the soil to supply moisture to plants, soften tillage, and cool the environment.
This process is carried out through irrigation systems, which can be surface, subsurface, sprinkler, or drip, depending on the farmer’s financial strength, the crop to be planted, and the terrain of the land.
To ensure continuous functionality, irrigation systems require proper maintenance; otherwise, system failure may occur. This article discusses the maintenance of irrigation equipment.
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Maintenance of Irrigation Equipment
Maintenance refers to the tasks performed to keep an irrigation system in good working order. System operation, on the other hand, involves practices aimed at ensuring irrigation effectiveness, preventing water wastage, and sustaining the system over time.
The key components that need maintenance in an irrigation system include:
- Pumping units
- Buried pipelines
- Hydrants
- Lateral pipes and accessories
- Sprinkler nozzles
- Sprinkler heads
- Canals and other infrastructure, such as night storage dams
- Electrical wires and cables
- Suction side
Types of Maintenance Activities in Irrigation Equipment
There are three types of maintenance activities carried out on irrigation equipment:
- Routine Maintenance
- Emergency Works
- Deferred Maintenance/Scheme Improvement
Routine Maintenance (Normal)
Routine maintenance activities are repeated throughout the lifespan of an irrigation system to keep it functioning. These include all the tasks necessary to maintain system functionality and are generally done on an annual basis. Some activities are daily routines, which do not require special skills.
Activities that do not require special skills include:
- Greasing of gates
- Removing vegetation from embankments, canals, and drains
- Removing silt from canals, drains, and structures
These tasks can be carried out by farmers whenever possible.
Routine maintenance activities that require skilled artisans:
- Repairs to gates and measuring structures
- Repainting of steel structures
- Installation of water level gauges
- Maintenance and small repairs of pumps and engines
Larger routine maintenance jobs done between irrigation seasons include:
- Major repair or replacement of gates, pumps, and engines
- Large-scale silt clearance from canals and drains
- Large-scale maintenance of roads and embankments
For larger or more complex jobs, contractors may be hired.
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Emergency Works/Special Maintenance
Emergency works involve immediate action to prevent or reduce the effects of unforeseen events such as:
- Breach or overtopping of canal embankments or river dikes, leading to flooding
- Critical failure of pumps or head-works, causing irrigation water supply interruption
- Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or cyclones
The unpredictable nature of these events makes it difficult to take specific preventive actions. However, general safeguards should be installed in prone areas, and a special reserve fund should be allocated for repair work.
Operational staff should also be trained on how to respond in emergencies, such as cutting off power to an overheated pump or closing the head-works in case of a canal breach. Good communication systems are essential in such cases.
Deferred Maintenance/Scheme Improvement
Deferred maintenance involves restoring the lost flow capacity in canals, reservoirs, and structures when compared to the original design. This type of maintenance includes significant modifications to the canal system and structures, especially when changes in cropping patterns or drainage problems arise.
It can be difficult to differentiate between deferred maintenance and a rehabilitation program. Deferred maintenance is typically funded through the national budget, while rehabilitation programs are considered investments, funded by loans or national development funds.
Care of Irrigation Equipment
Proper care and storage of irrigation equipment are essential to prolong their life and maintain system efficiency.
1. Storage of Poly Pipes (HDPE): Poly pipes should be rolled up carefully to avoid damage. HDPE lateral pipes should be laid on specially built frames or racks to prevent permanent sagging, which could cause leaks during irrigation.
2. Aluminium Pipes: These pipes should not be dragged along the ground as it can cause damage and soil contamination.
3. Rubber Seals, Rings, and Hooks: Rubber rings used for watertight connections should be replaced every two years. Similarly, the rubber seals in portable aluminium pipes need regular replacement to ensure effective operation.
4. Drag Hose, Hose, and Riser Assembly: These should be inspected regularly. Their life expectancy is about eight years, though cuts or perforations may occur during cultivation. In such cases, line joiners can be used to repair the hoses.
5. Sprinklers: Nozzles should be replaced at least every two years. Worn-out nozzles should be replaced to maintain proper water flow and distribution. The tension of the sprinkler spring and the wear of plastic seals should also be checked regularly. It is necessary to take sprinklers to the supplier for an overall check-up every four to five years.
6. Hydrants: Rubber seals should be inspected for leaks and replaced when necessary.
7. Buried Pipelines: Regular inspections should be conducted to detect leaks and check for exposed sections that may be vulnerable to fire, traffic, weather conditions, or vandalism.
8. Gate/Isolation Valves: Isolation valves should be checked monthly by opening and closing them, as well as lubricating them to ensure smooth operation. If left unused for long periods, isolation valves may get stuck in the open position.
9. Canals and Infrastructure: Regular inspections are needed to identify and fix issues such as leakages, seepages, silting, and vegetation growth in canals and other infrastructure like night storage dams.
10. Pumping Units: Inspections of components like gland packing, oil, bearings, shafts, and alignment are necessary. Pump motors should not be exposed to water.
11. Electrical Wires/Cables: Routine inspections are essential to detect exposed wires, loose connections, sagging wires, or interference with trees.
12. Suction Side: Foot valves, suction baskets, and silt in suction chambers or sumps should be regularly maintained to ensure smooth operation.
Effects of Poor Maintenance
Neglecting proper maintenance can lead to significant problems, such as:
1. Water Logging: Leaks can cause waterlogging in certain areas, leading to over-irrigation. This results in the leaching of nutrients and fertilizers, which can reduce crop yields.
2. Reduced Water Delivery: Leakages and blockages can reduce the amount of water delivered to crops, causing moisture stress and lowered yields.
3. Proliferation of Disease: Waterlogging, vegetation growth, and marshy conditions can encourage disease-causing organisms, such as mosquitoes and snails, increasing the risk of diseases like malaria and bilharzia.
4. System Breakdowns: Poor maintenance often leads to system breakdowns, especially at critical stages. These breakdowns are costly and time-consuming to repair and may result in crop failure.
The effectiveness of an irrigation system depends on its maintenance during and after operation. Farmers should adhere to proper maintenance guidelines to enhance water use efficiency and improve crop yields.
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