Effect of Lateral Flushing on Emitter Clogging under Drip Irrigation with Yellow River Water and a Suitable Method

Abstract

Abstract Lateral flushing is expected to become an important means of controlling emitter clogging in drip irrigation systems. This research investigated the effect of different flushing frequencies (once every 32, 64, 96 and 128 h) and flushing velocities (0.2, 0.4 and 0. m s −1 ) on emitter clogging. The experimental results showed that the substances that clogged the emitters mainly come from the cast of internal laterals, and could be effectively controlled by lateral flushing. And emitter clogging was most effectively relieved for the frequency of once per 64 h, and the velocity of 0.4 m s −1 . The discharge ratio variation (Dra) and the coefficient of uniformity (CU) of the drip irrigation system, increased from 7.7 to 21.9% and 11.6 to 67.4%, respectively, compared with non‐flushed laterals. Also, as the frequency increased, Dra and CU first decreased and then increased. Similarly, with the increase of flushing velocity, Dra and CU also decreased then increased. In conclusion, for the drip irrigation system with YRW, the suitable lateral flushing velocity was found to be 0.4 m s −1 at a frequency of once per 64 h. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.