Diseño de un módulo experimental para riego tecnificado para el gobierno provincial

Abstract

In Azuay, agricultural organizations are highly vulnerable due to low productivity in mountainous areas. Surface irrigation exhibits efficiencies below 40%, while pressurized irrigation barely reaches 60%, significantly falling short of recommended standards. This underscores the necessity of implementing advanced irrigation systems to optimize water management and address agricultural challenges in rural areas. The study develops an experimental-demonstrative module for advanced irrigation, structured into three zones with a net irrigable area of 100 hectares and modules of 2000 m², subdivided into plots for crops such as maize, wheat, legumes, tubers, sugarcane, and citrus fruits. The evaluated methods include surface irrigation via furrows, sprinkler irrigation, and drip irrigation, selected based on soil type, topography, and water requirements. The design incorporates: i) Biophysical characterization relevant to the design of irrigation systems in mountain ecosystems; ii) Analysis of methods, procedures, and technologies for gravity and pressurized irrigation systems and their design; iii) Design of a prototype experimental module for the implementation of a technology transfer and scientific monitoring observatory. Subsequently, the module was dimensioned for the hydraulic system, and technical selection of components and equipment was conducted to ensure operational efficiency in each design.