Performance evaluation of Center Pivot irrigation systems with emphasis on efficiency indicators under the climatic conditions of the Moghan plain

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Water Engineering and and Member of Water Management Research Center , Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil , Iran.

3 Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources , University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

4 Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran .

5 Department of Natural Resources and Member of Water Management Research Center , Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources , University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

6 Department of Natural Resources and Member of Water Management Research Center , Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran .

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated three center-pivot irrigation systems in Moghan to assess water application performance, identify factors reducing efficiency, and improve irrigation management.
 
Method: In 2024, system performance was evaluated using the catch-can method, with radial and peripheral water collection, along with field measurements of sprinkler discharge and pressure.
 
Results: System C achieved the highest application efficiency (84.64%) and the lowest evaporation and wind-drift losses (15.35%), while system A showed the lowest efficiency (68.44%) and highest losses (31.55%); PELQ and AELQ were highest in system C at 60.01%, with no deep percolation losses reported.
 
Conclusions: System C achieved the highest application efficiency (84.64%) and the lowest evaporation and wind-drift losses (15.35%), while system A showed the lowest efficiency (68.44%) and highest losses (31.55%); PELQ and AELQ were highest in system C at 60.01%, with no deep percolation losses reported.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Advanced Technologies in Water Efficiency
Volume 6, Issue 3
September 2026
Pages 56-73

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 05 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 12 March 2026

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