Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL) Handbook
Natural Resources Conservation Service
and
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
August 2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. Introduction...... 1-1
1.1 Irrigation in Florida...... 1-1
1.2 Mobile Irrigation Lab Handbook...... 1-1
1.3 MIL Annual Plan of Work...... 1-2
CHAPTER 2. Human Resources...... 2-
2.1 Staffing...... 2-
2.2 Qualifications...... 2-
2.2.1 Job Description - Mobile Irrigation Lab Team Leader...... 2-
2.2.1.1 Education - Work Experience:...... 2-
2.2.1.2 Administration and Public Information...... 2-
2.2.1.3 MIL Duties...... 2-
2.2.1.4EEO/Civil Rights...... 2-4
2.2.2 Job Description – Mobile Irrigation Lab Team Member...... 2-4
2.2.2.1 Education – Work Experience...... 2-4
2.2.2.2 Administration and Public Information...... 2-4
2.2.2.3 Duties...... 2-4
2.2.2.4 EEO/Civil Rights...... 2-4
2.3 Working Relationships and Responsibilities...... 2-5
2.4 Staff Time Requirements for Irrigation Evaluation...... 2-5
CHAPTER 3. Budget...... 3-
3.1 Mobile Irrigation Lab Personnel...... 3-
3.2 Equipment...... 3-
3.3 Training and Education...... 3-
3.4 Administrative Fees...... 3-
3.5 Audits...... 3-
CHAPTER 4. Irrigation System Evaluations...... 4-
4.1 Introduction...... 4-
4.2Performance Terms...... 4-
4.3Evaluation of Microirrigation Systems...... 4-
4.3.1 Equipment Needs...... 4-
4.3.2 Field Procedure...... 4-
4.3.3 Calculations...... 4-
4.3.4 Analysis of Evaluation Results...... 4-
4.3.5 Typical Problems and Recommendations for Microirrigation Systems...... 4-
4.4Evaluation of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems...... 4-
4.4.1 Evaluation of Fixed and Portable Lateral Sprinkler Systems (Solid Set and Linear Move) 4-7
4.4.1.1 Equipment Needs...... 4-
4.4.1.2 Field Procedure...... 4-
4.4.1.3 Calculations...... 4-
4.4.2 Evaluation of Traveling Gun Sprinkler System...... 4-
4.4.2.1 Equipment Needs...... 4-
4.4.2.2 Field Procedure...... 4-
4.3.3.1 Equipment Needs...... 4-
4.3.3.2 Field Procedure...... 4-
4.4.4 Analysis of Sprinkler System Evaluations (Solid Set, Linear Move, Traveling Gun, and Center Pivot) 4-
4.4.5 Typical Problems and Recommendations for Sprinkler Irrigation Systems....4-
4.5Evaluation of Subirrigation Systems (Flow Through and Underground Conduit)..4-
4.5.1 Equipment Needs...... 4-
4.5.2 Field Procedure...... 4-
4.5.3 Analysis of Subirrigation System...... 4-
4.5.4 Typical Problems and Recommendations for Subirrigation Systems...... 4-
CHAPTER 5. Evaluation of Urban Irrigation Systems...... 5-1
5.1 Common Systems Components in Urban Irrrigation...... 5-1
5.2 Determine Average Application Rate...... 5-7
5.2.1 Meter Records Water Use in Gallons...... 5-7
5.2.2Meter Records Water Use in Cubic Feet...... 5-8
5.2.3No Meter is Present...... 5-8
5.2.4Matched Rates...... 5-9
5.2.5Sprinkler Spacing...... 5-9
5.2.6Mixed Zones...... 5-9
5.2.7Soil Texture Determination...... 5-9
5.3 Visual Inspection...... 5-8
5.4 Pressure and Flow Inspection...... 5-13
5.5 Catch Can Distribution Uniformity Test...... 5-16
5.5.1 Selecting Catch Containers...... 5-16
5.5.2 Selecting a Zone or Zones...... 5-16
5.5.3 Placing Catch Cans...... 5-16
5.5.4 Selecting Subzones...... 5-19
5.5.5 Test Duration...... 5-20
5.5.6 Measuring and Recording Data...... 5-20
5.6 Plant Water Requirements and Operating Times...... 5-23
5.7 Water Usage for Urban Irrigation Systems...... 5-25
5.8 Presentation of Urban Evaluation Results...... 5-28
5.8.1 Visual Inspection...... 5-28
5.8.2Pressure and Flow...... 5-28
5.8.3Catch Can Test...... 5-29
5.9 Steps to Conducting an Evaluation...... 5-29
5.9.1 Determine Average Application Rate...... 5-29
5.9.2Pressure and Flow...... 5-31
5.9.3Catch Can Test...... 5-
5.9.4 Calculate Operating Time...... 5-32
5.9.5 Determine Water Used per Cycle...... 5-
5.9.6 Make System Recommendations...... 5-33
5.10Typical Problems and Recommendations for Urban Irrigation Systems...... 5-34
5.11 Reporting Results of Urban Irrigation Evaluations...... 5-35
CHAPTER 6. Water Conservation Report...... 6-
6.1 Introduction...... 6-1
6.2Determining the Maximum and Actual Distribution and/or Emission Uniformities of a Pressurized Pipe Irrigation System 6-1
6.3Computing Potential Water Savings...... 6-5
6.4Computing Actual Water Savings...... 6-8
6.5Calculating Immediate Water Savings (IWS)...... 6-1
6.6Reporting Water Conservation Results to Partner Agencies...... 6-
6.7Typical Water Conservation Report to the Client...... 6-
6.7.1 Agricultural...... 6-
6.7.1.1 Center Pivot Irrigation System Evaluation...... 6-
6.7.1.2 Microirrigation System Evaluation...... 6-18
6.7.2Urban...... 6-34
6.7.2.1 Urban Irrigation System Evaluation...... 6-34
6.8Irrigation Water Management Plans...... 6-42
6.8.1 Sample Irrigation Water Management Plan for Center Pivot Sprinkler Irrigation System 6-43
6.8.2 Sample Irrigation Water Management Plan for Traveling Gun Sprinkler Irrigation System 6-47
6.8.3 Sample Irrigation Water Management Plan for Microirrigation System...... 6-50
6.8.4 Sample Irrigation Water Management Plan for Subsurface – Flow Through Irrigation System 6-51
CHAPTER 7. Resources...... 7-
7.1 Training...... 7-
7.2 Attachments/Forms...... 7-
7.3 Evaluation Tracking System...... 7-4
CHAPTER 8. Reports...... 8-1
8.1Water Conservation Quarterly Reports...... 8-1
1
FIGURES
Figure 1 – MIL Locations and Counties Served…………………………………………….1-4
Figure 2 – Hybrid Controller…………………………………………………………………5-3
Figure 3 – Pressure Vacuum Breaker..………………………………………………………5-3
Figure 4 – Remote Control Valve..…………………………………………………………...5-4
Figure 5 – Pop – Up Spray Sprinkler………………………...………………………………5-4
Figure 6 – Impact Spray Sprinkler……………………………………...……………………5-5
Figure 7 – Rotor Pop - Up Spray Sprinkler………………….………………………………5-5
Figure 8 – Xeri – Tube - PC……………………………..…………...………………………..5-6
Figure 9 – Automatic Rain Shutoff……………………………………...……………………5-6
TABLES
Table 1 – MIL Offices and Counties Served...... 1-3
Table 2a – Basic Equipment for Evaluating Agricultural Microirrigation,and SprinklerSystems...... …………………………………………3-2
Table 2b – Equipment needed to measure tailwater in AgriculturalSubirrigation systems...... ………………………………………….3-4
Table 3 – Example of Fiscal Year 2009 Operational Cost Ranges for an Agricultural MIL……...... 3-5
Table 4 – Test Results, Problems, and Solutions for Microirrigation Systems...... 4-4
Table 5 – Test Results, Problems and Solutions for Sprinkler Systems……………..…....4-14
Table 6 – Maximum Potential System Uniformity………………………………………….6-2
Appendices
Appendix A
Water Conservation Quarterly Report
Attachment 1a – Evaluation Reporting Table
Attachment 2 – Original Evaluation and Follow-Up Tracking Table
Attachment 3 – MIL Evaluation Waiting List
Attachment 4 – Conservation Education Report
Appendix B
Bylaws of the Irrigation Conservation Committee
Appendix C
Mobile Irrigation Lab Employee Development Plan
Appendix D
Procedures for Accessing NRCS Web Soil Survey
Appendix E
Procedures for Accessing NRCS Soil Data Mart
Glossary, Conversion Chart and References
1
CHAPTER 1. Introduction
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in cooperation with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and Florida Water Management Districts, have been able to increase technical assistance to irrigators in the wise use of water through mobile irrigation labs (MILs).
Currently, there are16MILsoperating in Florida that serve 54counties as listed in Table 1. Figure 1 illustrates the counties served by each MIL in Florida. MILs provide irrigation technical assistance to landowners on a volunteer basis. The MILs perform irrigation system evaluations on agricultural and urban land. Based on the evaluations, system and/or management recommendations are provided to landowners. MILs have been successful in assisting land users in the proper operation and management of their irrigation systems and in promoting water conservation. The MILs promote irrigation systems designed to meet the requirements of the NRCS Field Office Technical Guides.
1.1 Irrigation in Florida
Like many other elements of agribusiness, irrigation acreage has increased at a phenomenal rate subsequent to 1950. Florida currently ranks eleventh nationally of all states in the amount of irrigated acreage. Over 3,000,000 acres are currently irrigated in Florida. As of 2008, 1.55million acres were irrigated in Florida for agricultural uses. This does not include urban and recreational irrigation. Also in 2005, 3,923 million gallons of water per day was used for agricultural irrigation.[1]
Growth in irrigation can be contributed to the limited moisture-holding capacity of some Florida soils, increased scientific knowledge of crop requirements, uneven rainfall distribution, and demand for greater crop intensification. These factors make irrigation more appealing and economical than even before to farmers who have a high investment in crop production. Besides preventing crop-water stress, irrigation systems are used to protect the crop against heat and cold and to apply fertilizers and pesticides.
Due to uneven rainfall distribution and because a large part of the state's agricultural produce is planted, grown, and marketed during fall, winter, and spring (normally the driest part of the year), growers of high-per-acre-value crops find it almost mandatory to provide supplemental irrigation for successful crop production.
Urban irrigation has consistently increased over the years, as more people migrate to the State and commercial and housing development continues to expand. This has been compounded by the increased use of “water thirsty” varieties of grasses being used on new commercial and housing developments. Many municipalities are now restricting irrigation practices in an effort to conserve a decreasing supply of water. Urban irrigation evaluations provide information necessary to develop a water conservation plan on a site by site basis.
Sources of water for urban irrigation vary from shallow wells to utilities, to re-used resources. Typical irrigation systems consist of subzones of pop-up, sprayer or mister irrigation heads that are controlled independently via manually or electronically operated valves. Over the past 20 years, urban irrigation controllers have continued to improve to include site specific and time specific capabilities as well as automatic shutoff capabilities due to rainfall.
1.2 Mobile Irrigation Lab Handbook
The Florida Mobile Irrigation Lab Handbook (MILH) was prepared by the NRCS, in cooperation with FDACS, to provide information to new and existing MILs regarding their day-to-day operations. The MILH is not intended to replace technical references such as the Florida Supplement to the Irrigation Guide or Chapter 15 of the National Irrigation Handbook, but will refer to these and other references as needed.
The MILH:
- Provides practical techniques in evaluating irrigation systems and information on new equipment and evaluation methods;
- Provides MIL personnel with a ready-reference, to achievea consistent operation; and,
- Is intended as a working tool for MIL personnel and it will be updated regularly.
MIL policies, procedures, equipment lists, computer software and sample forms will be developed by the NRCS State Conservation Engineer (SCE) and included in the MILH to provide standard operating procedures for MILs.
1.3 Annual Plan of Work
In 1995, the MILs, with assistance from NRCS, and several water management districts of the State, formed the Irrigation Conservation Committee (ICC). The mission of the Irrigation Conservation Committee is to promote effective irrigation water management by exchanging information and directing the future of Mobile Irrigation Labs in Florida. The ICC has adopted an Annual Plan of Work (see Appendix B) that was initially developed by the ICC, NRCS and some of the water management districts, and was recently updated (2009) by those agencies and the FDACS . The plan of work is updated annually and describes the objectives of both the MILs and the ICC.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Irrigation Conservation Committee is to promote effective water management by exchanging information and directing the future of Mobile Irrigation Labs in Florida.
Introduction
The group adopted the mission statement and the name “Irrigation Conservation Committee” on December 6, 1995. By-laws were written and accepted by the committee on August 14, 1996. The By-laws can be referenced in Appendix A of this handbook.
The Irrigation Conservation Committee has adopted this Plan of Work for FY-2010 for the Mobile Irrigation Labs of Florida.
Sixteen Mobile Irrigation Labs (MIL’s) are currently operating in Florida and serve 54 counties. The MIL operators perform irrigation evaluations on both agricultural and urban lands. Based on these evaluations, systems management recommendations are given to the land user. In addition to conducting evaluations, the MIL’s hold workshops, are guest speakers, perform public relations activities with other agencies, work with teachers in the school systems and engage in other activities dealing with water conservation. There are 16 contact sites for the MIL’s operating in Florida as shown in the table 1.
Table 1 – MIL Offices and Counties Served
Location /Phone Number
/Counties Served
/ LabBig Cypress Basin Urban MIL
Naples, FL / (239)455-4100 / Collier / Urban
Broward County (EPD) MIL
Ft. Lauderdale, FL / (954)519-1281 / Broward, Palm Beach / Urban
Broward Palm Beach BMP MIL
Royal Palm Beach, FL / (561)683-2285 x 108 / Broward, Palm Beach / Ag
Broward SWCD MIL
Davie, FL / (954)873-7594 / Broward / Urban
East Central RC&D MIL
Orlando, FL / (407)896-0353 / Seminole, Orange, Brevard / Urban
Floridan RC&D MIL
St. Augustine, FL / (904)471-1063 / St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia, Putnam / Ag
JEA Lawnsmart Urban (Floridan RC&D) MIL
St. Augustine, FL / (904)471-1063 / Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, Clay / Urban
Lake SWCD MIL
Tavares, FL / (352)343-2481, x 6 / Lake / Ag
Lower West Coast MIL
Naples, FL / (239)455-4100 / Collier, Hendry, Lee, Charlotte, Glades / Ag
Manatee County
Palmetto, Florida / (941)722-4524 / Manatee / Urban
Miami-Dade SWCD MIL
Florida City, FL / (305)242-1288 / Dade / Ag and Urban
ProMIL (SWFWMD)
Bradenton, Florida / (941)920-2458 / Manatee / Ag
SWFWMD MIL
Wauchula, FL / (863)773-4764, x 3 / Levy, Marion, Citrus, Lake, Sumter, Hernando, Pasco, Polk, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Highlands, Manatee, Hardee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte / Ag
Tampa Bay Estuary MIL
Plant City, FL / (813)759-6450, x. 3 / Hillsborough, Pinellas / Ag
St. LucieSWCD
Ft. Pierce, FL / (772)461-4546, x 113 / St. Lucie, Martin / Ag
West Florida RC&D MIL
Marianna, FL / (850)482-5888 / Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington / Ag
U = Urban Lab A = Agricultural Lab N = Nursery Lab
Shaded MILs do not participate in the Irrigation Conservation Committee
Figure 1 – MIL Locations and Counties Served
1-1
ICC Objectives
Objective #1: Engage in public relations activities that promote water conservation practice and the use of Mobile Irrigation Labs in the state of Florida.
Objective #2: Provide advice, assistance, and technological support to Mobile Irrigation Labs in the state of Florida.
Objective #3: Promote the ICC Mobile Irrigation Labs by acting as a liaison between State and Federal agencies that fund, manage, and support the MIL water conservation program.
1-1
ICC Objectives
OBJECTIVE # 1: Engage in public relations activities that promote water conservation practices and the use of Mobile Irrigation Labs in the state of Florida.
TASK
/RESPONSIBILITY
/START
/END
/COMPLETION
/PURPOSE
- Educate the public on water conservation through press releases, newsletters, workshops, and participation at conferences.
- Educate the public on the use of IWM tools
- Assist schools with environmental education activities, such as career days, science fairs, and class presentations
- Provide assistance in system design on an optional basis when requested.
- Develop, promote, and distribute irrigation pamphlets and fact sheets
- Update MIL Brochures
And NRCS / 01/10 / 12/10 / Ongoing / Allow the public to see the most up to date water savings values and to be aware of the MIL personnel and the benefits that are provided.
- Update MIL state map
- Develop and publish a combined report to show accomplishments of all MIL’s
and MILs / 01/10 / 12/10 / Allows the public to see the benefits of the MIL.
1-1
OBJECTIVE # 2: Provide advice, assistance, and technological support to Mobile irrigation Labs in the State of Florida.
TASK
/RESPONSIBILITY
/START
/END
/COMPLETION
/PURPOSE
- Provide training as necessary to personnel as requested by other Agricultural or Urban MIL’s using instructors for Ag / Urban MIL Certification.
- Committee will meet quarterly at central locations in the state to discuss new technology.
- Provide training on new technology to improve knowledge, skills, abilities and techniques of MIL Team members.
NRCS
FDACS / 01/10 / 12/10 / Ongoing / Learn new tools and ideas to assist in water conservation
- Investigate, transfer, and share new MIL technology with other MILs in the State.
NRCS / 01/10 / 12/10 / Ongoing / To provide consistency between all labs.
OBJECTIVE # 3: Promote the ICC Mobile Irrigation Labs by acting as a liaison between State and Federal agencies that fund, manage, and support the MIL water conservation program.
TASK
/RESPONSIBILITY
/START
/END
/COMPLETION
/PURPOSE
- Committee will meet with agency representatives on a quarterly basis to discuss progress, current events, and funding with regard to water conservation, and the MIL projects.
- Participate in activities and network with organizations such as IFAS, CES, WMDs, FIS and other states with MILs
- Participate as requested in investigations, studies, inventories, field trials, and demonstration projects conducted by NRCS or in partnership with other organizations.
APPENDIX A – QUARTERLY REPORT DOCUMENTS
CONDENSED QUARTERLY REPORT FORMAGRICULTURAL MOBILE IRRIGATION LABS
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES
FDACS FISCAL YEAR:
FDACS Contract #: / FDACS Reporting Quarter:MIL #: / MIL Name:
Total Evaluations (Initial and Follow Up) Required: / Total Follow-Up Evaluations Required:
Completed Initial Evaluations: / Completed Follow-Up Evaluations:
Total Potential Water Savings (Ac-ft/MG): / Total Follow-Up Actual Water Savings (Ac-ft/MG):
Total Acres Evaluated: / Total Instant Actual Water Savings (Ac-ft/MG):
BREAKDOWN BY NUMBER OF EVALUATIONS
Farms: / Nurseries:
WAITING LIST INFORMATION
Number of Evaluations: / ApproximateTotal Acres:
Comments / Additional Information:
This report covers the following months and year:
The following Attachments are also included under separate cover:
Submitted by: / Title:
Email: / Date:
Questions: Please contact Camilo Gaitan at (850) 617-1715 or at
A-1
1- 1
1- 1
ATTACHMENT # 3: MIL EVALUATION WAITING LISTMIL NAME:
MIL ID:
FEDERAL QUARTER: / FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR:
COUNTY / CATEGORY / TOTAL COUNT / APPROX TOTAL ACRES
Totals / 0 / 0
Attachment # 4: MIL Conservation Education and Outreach Report
MIL Name:
MIL ID:
Federal FY
Fed Quarter:
Date (mm/dy/year) / Type of Presentation / Name of Group / Number Attending / City or Town / Duration (hrs)
TOTALS / 0 / 0
Notes:
Problem Descriptions - Problems are irrigation system or management factors that limit irrigation system performance or efficiency. Problems are noted during the site visit, system evaluation, and/or through discussion with the operator.
Code / Description of ProblemsPRESSURE AND/OR IRRIGATION RATE
Detailed List
1 / Under-sized pump for number and type of sprinkler heads or emitters
2 / Pressure loss between pump and sprinklers/emitters due to inadequate pipe size
3 / Higher pressure than manufacturer's specifications
4 / Lower pressure than manufacturer's specifications
5 / Low pressure due to water supply
6 / Different pressure between manifolds
7 / Wetted area not adequate for crop requirement
8 / Application rate > soil infiltration rate (ponding)
9 / Air in pipelines
10 / Turf and landscape area irrigated in the same zone
11 / Pressure variation due to elevation differences
12 / Missing/malfunctioning pressure gauge/regulator/filter
13 / Mixed Crops or container with different water requirements in the same zone
Generic List
101 / Too High or Low Pressure at Pump Station
102 / Too High or Low Flow at Pump Station
103 / Uneven pressure distribution across manifold(s) and/or lateral(s)
104 / Uneven irrigation distribution across lateral(s)
EMITTERS AND/OR SPRINKLERS
Detailed List
20 / Mixed sprinkler/emitter sizes & unmatched precipitation in the same zone
21 / Mixed sprinkler/emitter brands or types in the same zone
22 / Poor emitter/sprinkler uniformity due to worn orifice
23 / Poor overlap due to improper sprinkler/emitter alignment or spacing
24 / Various riser heights in same zone
25 / Emitter/sprinkler spacing varies in same zone
26 / Missing/malfunctioning emitters or sprinklers
27 / End Gun is out of adjustment or not operating
Generic List
201 / Mixed sprinkler/emitter sizes
202 / Mixed sprinkler/emitter brands
203 / Missing and/or broken emitters or sprinklers
204 / Wrong emmitter or sprinkler size and/or spacing for type and/or layout of crop
MAINTENANCE
Detailed List
30 / Leaks and broken valves, pipe, laterals lines (Poly-tubing), emitters, sprinklers
31 / Clogged filter or filter screen
32 / Sprinkler heads not properly adjusted, causing overflow on paved areas
33 / Clogged emitters/nozzles (due to biological, chemical or physical factors)
34 / Leaning sprinklers/emitters causing non-uniform distribution
35 / Malfunctioning valves
36 / Control box in need of repair
37 / Boot Leak
38 / System has no booster pump
40 / Stream of water blocked by vegetation
41 / Variable crop spacing and stage of growth
42 / Poor drainage, requiring water control
Generic List
301 / Pump Station Engine and/or Pump leaks or malfunctions
302 / Filter leaks, clogged, or malfunctions
303 / Pipe Leaks in Irrigation System
304 / Valve(s) Malfuncion(s) or Leak(s) in Irrigation System
305 / Emitters and/or Sprinklers leaks, clogged, or malfunctioning
OPERATION AND/OR MANAGEMENT
Detailed List
50 / Operating time too long
51 / Operating time too short
52 / Operating time too frequent
53 / No rain shut-off device
54 / No soil moisture measuring device or rain gage
55 / No irrigation water management plan
56 / No tachometer
57 / Contamination of water with oil and fuel
Generic List
501 / Irrigation System Running too Long
502 / Irrigation System not Running Long Enough
503 / Inappropriate Irrigation Frequency
504 / Inappropriate Irrigation System for type of crop
505 / Abandoned and/or Inoperable Irrigation System
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