Geographic information system supported farm irrigation system design and planning

Abstract

A methodology was developed using a Geographic Information System (GIS) to select, design, install and manage an irrigation system for a farm. GIS was used to develop different thematic layers, each consisting of a particular attribute required for analysis of alternative irrigation system types. These layers included data such as: topography, soil texture, soil water retention, bulk density, infiltration rate of water and field drainage system. These layers were used with water availability and water demand to design and plan the farm irrigation systems. A case study for blueberry orchards with drip irrigation was developed. The GIS facilitated irrigation planning, although additionally AUTOCAD was used to design the irrigation method. GIS was found to be a useful tool for a general farm planning analysis.