Design and simulation of a demonstration irrigation scheme for Busitema university.

Abstract

Busitema is the only University in Uganda, East Africa at large, that offers a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural mechanization and irrigation engineering. However, the irrigation courses covered under this program are more of theoretical than practical. This leaves students with a limited understanding. of the irrigation systems, which calls for need of a university owned demonstration irrigation scheme to boost the student' S understanding of irrigation engineering. project was therefore focused on the design and simulation of a demonstration irrigation scheme for the University. It therefore handled the above mentioned task and provided guide lines and procedures The construction of the system case the institution decides to implement the project On matter therefore, this project covers the design and simulation of the demonstration irrigation scheme for Busitema University. The construction was done under this scope because of the high costs involved in the purchase and installation of irrigation systems. However, the construction can go on in case the university is willing to fund the project. In the course of the study, laboratory tests were carried out on the soil samples from the field to establish which crop grows best on the selected soil, and irrigation water requirements were also established. The simulation part was accomplished using EPAnet water simulation software and solidworks. An economic evaluation including cost analysis was also carried out and all expenses and the cost of the project were established. At the end of the study, two crops to be used for demonstration were established, ginger for the sprinkler system and hot-pepper for the system. after knowing the soil type and properties, Two different types of irrigation systems were designed, that is drip and sprinkler irrigation. The irrigation system and processes were simulated, and an economic evaluation of the project was done and presented.