SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

 
vol.87 issue212Citral nanocontainers applied to guava fruits (Psidium Guajava L.) in postharvesting author indexsubject indexarticles search
Home Pagealphabetic serial listing  

Services on Demand

Journal

Article

Indicators

Related links

  • On index processCited by Google
  • Have no similar articlesSimilars in SciELO
  • On index processSimilars in Google

Share


DYNA

Print version ISSN 0012-7353On-line version ISSN 2346-2183

Dyna rev.fac.nac.minas vol.87 no.212 Medellín Jan./Mar. 2020

https://doi.org/10.15446/dyna.v87n212.71947 

Artículos

Irrigation system with ultra low flow using branched microtubes

Sistema de irrigación con flujo ultra bajo utilizando microtubos ramificados

Dinara Grasiela Alvesa 

Marinaldo Ferreira Pintoa 

Ana Paula Alves Barreto Damascenob 

Conan Ayade Salvadora 

Ceres Duarte Guedes Cabral de Almeidac 

Tarlei Arriel Botreld 

a Departamento de Ingeniería, Universidad Federal Rural de Rio de Janeiro, Serópedica, Brasil, dinara_alves@hotmail.com, mfpufrrj@yahoo.com.br, conanayade@yahoo.com.br

b Departamento de Ingeniería, Universidad Federal de Mato-Grosso, Rondonópolis, Brasil. pauladamasceno1@hotmail.com

c Colégio Agrícola Don Agustín Ikas, Universidad Federal Rural de Pernambuco, São Lourenço da Mata, Brasil. ceres.codai.ufrpe@gmail.com

d Departamento de Ingeniería de Biosistemas, Escuela Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Piracicaba, Brasil. tabotrel@usp.br


Abstract

With the goal of developing an irrigation system with ultra low flow rate (ULF) of 0.2 L h-1, using microtubes with derivation and operating in a laminar regime, this work began by seeking efficient irrigation and low costs. The experiment consisted of two stages. The first experiment was conducted in the laboratory to determine the actual diameter of the microtubes and irrigation system design. The second stage of the experiment was conducted in an experimental area, where tests were carried out to obtain the uniformity of water application which was evaluated by the coefficient of uniformity statistic that had an initial value exceeding 90%. The proposed irrigation system had economic advantages for small-scale producers. However, the system evaluated presented problems with accumulation of air and emitters obstruction during the study period, causing a reduction in statistical uniformity. It is therefore necessary to conduct further studies to obtain more conclusive results.

Keywords: microirrigation; distribution uniformity; low cost irrigation

Resumen

Con el objetivo de desarrollar un sistema de irrigación con ultra baja caudal (UBV) de 0,2 L h-1, utilizando microtubos con derivación y operando en régimen laminar, se inició este trabajo buscando irrigación eficiente y de bajo costo. El experimento se compuso de dos etapas. La primera parte experimental fue conducida en el laboratorio, siendo realizada la determinación del diámetro real de los microtubos y dimensionamiento del sistema de riego. La segunda etapa del experimento fue realizada en una huerta ubicada en el área experimental, donde se realizaron los ensayos para obtener la uniformidad de aplicación de agua a la cual fue evaluada por medio del coeficiente de uniformidad estadística que tuvo valor inicial superior a 90%. El sistema de riego propuesto presentó ventajas económicas para pequeños productores. Sin embargo, el mismo presentó problemas de acumulación de aire y obstrucción de emisores durante el período evaluado, ocasionando la reducción de la uniformidad estadística siendo, por lo tanto, necesaria la realización de más estudios para obtener resultados más concluyentes.

Palabras clave: microriego; uniformidad de distribución; riego bajo costo

1. Introduction

The use of irrigation in vegetable crops is a necessity, even in the rainy season, due to poor rainfall distribution, considering that these crops are quite susceptible to water deficits [1]. The method of drip irrigation is well suited to these crops, as it promotes big savings in water and energy (since water is applied in a more localized form and at low pressures), in addition to improving efficiency in cultivation and requiring minimal workforce.

In Brazil, there is a deficiency of technological innovations in microirrigation to provide self-sufficiency of low-cost technologies mainly adapted to the small-scale producer.

However, the types of microtube emitters used in microirrigation systems appear as an attractive alternative technology to this part for producers, due to the low cost of production and installation. This kind of microtube, also called spaghetti tube, is a long-path emitter made by polyethylene with a small diameter (0.6 to 1.5 mm), and easy to install and maintain.

The authors emphasize that microtube irrigation systems can run without raising the operating costs because they work under gravity or under low pressures. In addition, microtubes can be adapted to different landscapes, including areas where there are large differences in pressure due to topography, because it is possible to compensate the pressure variation by varying the length of the microtubes and, consequently, to obtain high uniform flow along the lateral line.

In this sense, the research group in hydraulics of the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ / USP) is studying the use of the microtube emitter types to increase the technological level and competitiveness of small-scale farmers. Initially, [2] developed software for hydraulic design and evaluated the performance of technology in drip irrigation of vegetables and fruit under conditions of laminar flow. Then, [3] evaluated its use in conditions of turbulent flow. In addition, with more innovative character [4,5], used microtubes as a mechanism for regulation of micro-sprinkler system pressure.

With increasing competition for water and electricity at the various productive sectors there is a need for development of irrigation systems that apply water at small flow rates with high uniformity and low energy requirements, i.e., operate at low pressures. Given the above, the aim of this research was to develop and evaluate, technically and economically, a drip system irrigation with ULF using branched microtubes in a garden of lettuce.

2. Materials and methods

2.1. Location and stages of the research

This research was divided into two stages. The first consisted in the determination of the internal diameter of the microtube and design of the irrigation system with ULF, the second stage was to install the irrigation system in the field, to perform tests to obtain the uniformity of water application, implementation of the lettuce crop, to evaluate the cost of irrigation system with ULF.

The first stage of the experiment was conducted in the Hydraulics Laboratory, and the second stage was conducted in an experimental area of the Biosystems Engineering Department, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ / USP) in Piracicaba - SP at 22º42’S and 47º30’W.

2.2. Determination of the internal diameter of the microtube

The microtubes of green, yellow, orange, and blue color with nominal diameters of 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 1.0 mm, respectively, with a length of 15.0 m each was evaluated. The microtubes were subjected to a constant potential load of 1.26 m, corresponding to the unevenness between the water level of the upper reservoir and the end of the microtube.

Through the force of gravity, water from the upper container was brought by the microtube to the lower container with a known weight, during a period of time. This container with water was weighed on an analytical balance. The water volume was calculated by the weight and water density at the monitored temperature.

For each microtube and length, three replications were performed, and in each volume collected, the water temperature was measured to calculate its kinematic viscosity. The reason of this measurement is because the laminar flow is very sensitive to the water viscosity variation, which is influenced by temperature variation.

The internal diameter of the microtube was determined by hydraulic measurements in the laboratory and by the optical profile projector.

The hydraulic determination of the microtube internal diameter was performed according to the methodology proposed by [6]. The test was repeated three times. The internal diameters of the microtubes by eq. (1) were calculated.

where:

D - internal diameter of microtube, m,

Q - flow rate of microtube, m3 s-1,

ν - kinematic viscosity of water, m2 s-1,

Z - potential load, m,

L - length of the microtube, m.

In optical diameter determination, the Optical profile projector (model HB400-2) was used. This equipment indicates in a digital display with 0.001 mm resolution the microtube diameter, in the condition of null hydrostatic pressure. The diameter determination in the profile optical projector used five rings of each microtube with approximately 4 mm length. The mean value of these readings was subsequently used for comparison between the hydrodynamically determined diameter and the one supplied by the manufacturer, which was called the nominal diameter (DN).

2.3. Description of the system of drip irrigation with ULF using branched microtubes

The configuration of the proposed system consists of a lateral line with nominal diameter of 10 mm, a supply microtube (SM) and six distribution microtubes (DM) that are connected to the supply microtube through a connector can be seen in Fig. 1.

Source: The Authors.

Figure 1 System of drip irrigation with ultra low flow rate (ULF) using branched microtubes. 

Hydrodynamic diameter value was used as the microtubes internal diameter to develop the design model of the proposed emitter due to the high precision of this methodology.

For sizing of the irrigation system the following values were admitted, initially proposed in the project: flow rate of 0.2 L h-1 for the distribution microtube (diameter 0.888 mm) and 1.2 L h-1 for the supply microtube (diameter 1.074 mm), viscosity of 1.01x10-6 m2 s-1 for a temperature of 20 °C, pressure head of 14.72 kPa, and pressure of 2.94 kPa in the connector.

The Reynolds number (Re) was calculated by eq. (2) and the friction factor (f) was determined by Hagen-Poiseuille equation (eq. 3). We emphasize the use of this equation because the flow regime is laminar (Re ≤ 2300) according to [7].

where:

V - velocity of water in the microtube, m s-1,

D - diameter of microtube, m, and,

ν - kinematic viscosity of water, m2 s-1.

To calculate the standardized head loss (J) eq. (4) was used.

where:

g - gravity acceleration, m s-2.

In the calculation of head loss (hf) in the supply microtube and distribution microtube Bernoulli equation was used, eq. (5).

where:

The lengths of the supply microtube and distribution microtube were calculated by eq. (6).

where:

L - length of the microtube, m.

This calculation was performed disregarding the local head loss.

The results were inserted in a spreadsheet to calculate the length of the distribution and supply microtubes, as can be seen in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively.

Table 1 Parameters used for determining the length of the distribution microtube. 

Re: Reynolds number, f: friction factor, J, standardized head loss, Pc: pressure in the connector, hf: head loss, and, Ld: length of the distribution microtube. * Predefined values.

Source: The Authors.

Table 2 Parameters used for determining the length of the supply microtube.  

Re: Reynolds number, f: friction factor, J, standardized head loss, Pi: inlet pressure of the supply microtube, hf: head loss, Ls: length of the supply microtube. * Predefined values.

Source: The Authors

The length of the supply microtube for laboratory tests was calculated, because in the field its length will vary due to head losses that occur along of the lateral line. The design of the irrigation system in the field was performed by the stretch by stretch method, but only the microtube supply had changed its length because it acts as a pressure regulator along the lateral line. The distribution microtube had an unchanged size.

2.4. Installation of the irrigation system in the field

After the design of the irrigation system, construction began for the structural part and then installation at the site. The system consisted of: a water tank elevated to a height of 1.5 m above the level of the beds, used to irrigate four beds, a register for begging and finishing the irrigations, an electronic buoy, developed for this experiment in order to keep the water level constant, a valve solenoid, which regulated the entry of water into the box of water, a filter of 155 mesh screen, and, microtubes.

Some technical requirements were taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of the system, aiming for successful low cost with an ULF for small-scale producers: the system should be composed of components with easy acquisition and installation, enabling the assembly operations and maintenance to be done by the small-scale farmer, and the system should provide a high uniformity of water application.

The schema of the irrigation system in the field can be seen in Fig. 2.

Source: The Authors.

Figure 2 Schema of the irrigation system in the field. 

2.5. Assays to obtain the system statistical uniformity

The technical viability of the system statistical uniformity (SU) was evaluated before planting and after harvesting the lettuce.

The determination of the uniformity of the flow rate along the four lateral lines installed at the beds was performed by collecting the flow rate in 32 emitters of each lateral line, i.e., for each derivation (with six emitters) an emitter was chosen, totaling 128 emitters evaluated. Due to ULF (0.2 L h-1) of this emitter, each test lasted about an hour, thus, the volume collected enabled the evaluation of the performance of the irrigation system to be achieved.

For better evaluation, three replicates were made. The collected volume in each recipient was determined at the end of the test, using a beaker with a precision of 1 cm3. The coefficient of statistical uniformity (SU) by eq. (7) were determined.

where:

σ- standard deviation of the flow rate, L h-1, and

- averages of all flow rates, L h-1.

2.6. Implementation of the lettuce crop

In the field phase, the lettuce (Lactuca sativa) variety "crisp" was implemented with a spacing of 0.3 x 0.3 m in four beds of 1.50 x 15 m existing in the experimental area, where water was supplied from a water tank by gravity to the culture.

The seedlings were produced in styrofoam trays of 12 x 24 cells totaling 768 seedlings transplanted about a month after sowing and each having 2 to 3 pairs of leaves. To each lettuce, an emitter microtube was installed.

The pre-planting manuring with 65 t ha-1 of dung was made. Two applications in coverage of 40 kg ha-1 of nitrogen at 7 and 15 days after transplanting the seedlings was held.

The water electrical conductivity was evaluated (0.25-0.75 dS m-1, at 25 °C) and classified as C2, according to [8]. The values observed were below 0.9 dS m-1, which is the limit value recommended by [8] in order to obtain maximum yield from the lettuce crop. The water pH was measured also, resulting in a mean value of 6.6 which is considered safe for irrigation [8].

The irrigation management was performed based on data from the ESALQ/USP meteorological station. For the estimation of the reference evapotranspiration (Eto), the Penman-Monteith FAO equation was used. The Kc value was obtained for each growing season in accordance with Table 3.

Table 3 Values of the crop coefficient (Kc) for three phases of development of the lettuce crop after transplanting of seedlings. 

Phase II - of the transplanting to the following 16 days,

Phase III - of the final of the second phase at 37 days after transplanting,

Phase IV - of the final of the third stage until harvest.

Source: [12].

The harvest of the lettuce was performed two months after transplanting when they showed up ready for consumption. Immediately after the harvest, wet weights of the aerial part of 20 lettuce per bed, chosen at random to quantify the productivity were obtained.

This determination by weighing in balance was made. The authors emphasize that, although productivity does not depend exclusively on irrigation, this is essential information for the qualitative evaluation of the system performance.

2.7. Cost of the irrigation system with ULF

Aiming to spread this technique among small-scale producers, the investment cost of the irrigation system proposed was presented. This cost was compared to a kit of drip irrigation for family agriculture available in the market. The price of this kit was informed by the company.

3. Results and discussion

3.1. Microtube diameter

The results obtained in the hydrodynamic test were 0.762, 0.695, 0.887, and 1.100 mm for the manufacturer's nominal diameters of 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 1.0 mm, respectively.

The microtube diameter values obtained by the profile optical projector are in Table 4. The average values of the diameters determined by hydraulic method and optical profile projector were very similar. [9] comments that the diameter measured by hydraulic method is more representative compared to the profile optical projector because the microtube length used to determine the internal diameter is greater when using the hydraulic method.

[2] evaluated the diameters of four microtube tubes in the profile projector and found values different from those observed in this study (0.679, 0.695, 0.820, and 1.024 mm). [10] performed the same study and found internal diameter values of 0.617, 0.698, 0.890, and 1.072 mm. This shows that to determine the real internal diameters it is necessary to obtain greater precision in the design of irrigation systems using microtubes.

The percentage differences between the nominal diameter supplied by the manufacturer (DN), the diameter mean values of the microtubes obtained hydrodynamically (DH), and by the optical profile projector (DP) are presented on Table 5. The largest difference was -27.00% between nominal and hydrodynamic diameter as well as between DN and average value obtained by profile optical projector. In addition, the yellow microtube, which should have DN of 0.6 mm, presented a value of 0.762 mm in both the hydrodynamic method and the optical profile projector, i.e., a value well above that informed by the manufacturer. This exceeded the green microtube diameter which has nominal diameter of 0.7 mm. Both in the hydrodynamic tests and the profile projector the green microtube diameters of 0.695 and 0.666, respectively, were obtained. As a result, the difference between them was -0.14%. In general, the smallest percentage differences were identified between DH and DP.

Table 4 Internal diameter of microtubes measured by profile optical projector. 

DP: standard deviation, CV: coefficient of variation.

Source: The Authors.

Table 5 Percent differences between the nominal diameter informed by manufacturer (DN), mean values of microtube diameters obtained hydrodynamically (DH), and optical profile projector (DP). 

Source: The Authors.

3.2. Functioning of the irrigation system with ULF

After installation of the system, it was verified that it was not working properly. Only a few drippers were emitting water, this can be due to the accumulation of air in the tubing, and as the inlet pressure was very low, it may not have been sufficient to expel the air pressure. So, it was necessary to make an adjustment in the system by connecting the system to the other input of water, with a pressure of 147.15 kPa, i.e., 10 times higher than the feed pressure previously established.

For proper operation of the irrigation system, it was first necessary to connect it under higher pressure until the expulsion of air present in the tubing (for approximately 1 minute) through of the register 2 and then the inlet pressure of the system was change to 14.72 kPa (register 1). Every time it was necessary to connect the irrigation system this was repeated (Fig. 3).

Source: The Authors.

Figure 3 Top view of the register 2 in which water passed with high pressure (a), view of the direction of water flow in components that allowed the use of high pressure at the start of the irrigation (b). 

The dashed arrow shown in Fig. 3 indicates the direction in which the water ran with higher pressure. The common point indicates the location in which both the water from a higher pressure and lower pressure coming from the water and, from this point, the direction of the path of the water is equal regardless of the pressure in which the system operates.

3.3. System statistical uniformity

Table 6 shows the results obtained in the evaluations of statistical uniformity. According to the classification criterion of the values of SU for microirrigation system proposed by [11], values equal to or above 90% are excellent, values between 80 and 90% are very good, values between 70 and 80% are regular, values between 60 and 70% are bad and values less than 60% are unacceptable. In the first evaluation, the value of statistical uniformity was greater than 90%. In the second evaluation there was a decrease in the values of uniformity in all the beds due to the presence of some partially clogged emitters. With the exception of the beds 1 and 3, it is observed that the system showed more than 90% of SU in this assessment.

Table 6 System statistical uniformity, before planting and after harvesting lettuce. 

Source: The Authors.

According to the classification criteria of the values of statistical uniformity for systems of microirrigation proposed by [11], the performance of the system can be considered excellent, given that the average SU of the four beds was 92 and 90% for evaluation before planting and after harvest lettuce, respectively.

3.4. Productivity lettuce crop

The average weight of harvested lettuce was 512.6 g, which corresponds to a productivity of 57.0 t ha-1. At the beds of numbers 1 and 4 similar productivity were obtained but their values were below beds 2 and 3 which had a productivity of 61.5 and 65.7 t ha-1, respectively (Fig. 4).

Source: The Authors.

Figure 4 Productivity of lettuce per bed. 

This may have occurred because bed 4 is located near the greenhouse that at specific times caused shading, getting a shorter period of light energy and thus causing a reduction in the production of lettuce. Furthermore, the lettuce plants suffered bird strikes during the experiment, and the bed number 1 was most affected.

According to [12], the lettuce yield varies from 15 to 30 t ha-1, i.e., the values presented are well above this range. Considering that this result cannot be attributed entirely to the use of the irrigation system, it was proven that it is possible to achieve high productivity with this technique.

3.5. Costs of the irrigation system

The total cost for the implementation of the irrigation system with ULF using microtubes was US$ 91.70. The water tank is 52.1% of the total cost (Table 7). Because of this, it is recommended to make the maximum use of this material, irrigating the largest possible number of beds, using only a water tank, reducing the cost per unit area.

Table 7 List of components used in irrigation systems and their costs. 

US$: American dollars.

Source: Local companies.

The cost of the irrigation system with ULF using microtubes was compared with a kit of drip irrigation for family agriculture, whose value is US$ 227.00 (indicated to irrigate 500 m2). However, the water tank is not included in this kit so it is necessary to add the value of the reservoir, totaling US$ 274.76. For the ULF system to be compared with the irrigation kit, a new calculation was performed, with the proposed irrigation system adapted to irrigate 500 m2, resulting in a total cost of US$ 180.59, i.e., the use of this system provides a saving of 34.3%.

4. Conclusions

The proposal for the use of an irrigation system with ultra low flow rate (ULF) using microtubes can be an economically viable alternative due to low investment and operational cost of the system.

The irrigation system with ULF showed a statistical uniformity that is considered to be excellent.

For this system to be technically feasible, we should perform larger studies to reduce the problems of accumulation of air and clogged emitters, recorded during the experiment.

A high productivity of lettuce crop was obtained using the irrigation system with ULF.

Acknowledgements

The Foundation for Research Support of the State of São Paulo (FAPESP) by the scholarship granted. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Foundation for Research Support of the State of São Paulo (FAPESP) and the Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), for financially supporting this research through the National Institute of Science and Technology in Irrigation Engineering (INCTEI).

References

[1] Teodoro, R.E.F., Oliveira, A.S. e Minami, K., Efeitos da irrigação por gotejamento na produção de pimentão (Capsicum annuum L.) em casa-de-vegetação. Scientia Agrícola, Piracicaba, 50(2), pp. 237-243, 1993. DOI: 10.1590/S0103-90161993000200011. [ Links ]

[2] Souza, R.O.R.M. and Botrel, T.A., Modelagem para o dimensionamento de microtubos em irrigação localizada. Agriambi, Campina Grande, 8(1), pp. 16-22, 2004. DOI: 10.1590/S1415-43662004000100003. [ Links ]

[3] Souza, W.J., Botrel, T.A., Almeida, A.C.S. e Correa, C.B., Modelo matemático aplicado à irrigação localizada com microtubos sob regime de escoamento turbulento. Engenharia Agrícola, 31(2), pp. 278-289, 2011. DOI: 10.1590/S0100-69162011000200008. [ Links ]

[4] Almeida, C.D.G.C., Botrel, T.A. and Smith, R.J., Characterization of the microtube emitter used in a novel micro-sprinkler. Irrigation Science, 27(3), pp. 209-214, 2008. DOI: 10.1007/soo271-008-0135-y. [ Links ]

[5] Almeida, A.C.S., Desenvolvimento de um sistema de irrigação por microaspersão com microtubos para hortas agrícolas. Thesis Dissertation, Departamento de Biossistemas, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brasil, 2008. [ Links ]

[6] Almeida, C.D.G.C., Botrel, T.A., Determinação do diâmetro de microtubos em irrigação localizada. Revista Brasileira de Ciências Agrárias, 5(3), pp.413-417, 2010. DOI: 10.5039/agraria.v5i3a657. [ Links ]

[7] Porto, R.M., Hidráulica Básica. 4ta ed. São Carlos: EESC/USP, 2006. [ Links ]

[8] Ayers, R.S. and Westcot, D.W., Water quality for agriculture (Revised). Rome. FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Irrigation and Drainage Paper, 29), 1985. [ Links ]

[9] Souza, R.O.R.M., Modelagem, desenvolvimento de software para dimensionamento, e avaliação de sistema de irrigação por gotejamento com microtubos. Thesis Dissertation, Departamento de Biossistemas, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brasil, 2005. [ Links ]

[10] Almeida, C.D.G.C., Microaspersor com microtubos: um novo conceito hidráulico na irrigação localizada. Thesis, Departamento de Biossistemas, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brasil, 2008. [ Links ]

[11] Bralts, V.F. , Field performance and evaluation. In: Nakayama, F.S. and Bucks, D.A., Eds., Trickle of irrigation for crop production. Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1986, pp. 216-240. [ Links ]

[12] Gomes, T.M., Efeito do CO2 na água de irrigação e no ambiente sobre a cultura da alface (Lactuca sativa L.). Thesis, Departamento de Biossistemas, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brasil, 2001. [ Links ]

D.G. Alves, received the BSc. Agronomic Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Brazil in 2009, MSc. in Sciences (Irrigation and Drainage) in 2011, PhD in Agricultural Systems Engineering in 2014, all of them from the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. PhD Sandwich Abroad (PDSE-CAPES), in the National Research Institute of Science and Technology for Environment and Agriculture (IRSTEA), France. Post-Doctorate by the Graduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Brazil. ORCID: 0000-0001-5852-777

M.F. Pinto, received the BSc. in Agricultural Engineering from the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2008, the MsSc. and PhD degree in Science (Irrigation and Drainage) from the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil in 2010 and 2013, respectively. Currently an adjunct professor at the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ORCID: 0000-0002-9368-6122

A.P.A.B. Damasceno, received the BSc. in Agronomy from the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid (2008), a MSc. in Science area of concentration: Irrigation and Drainage by the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid (2011) and PhD in Sciences in the program: Engineering of Agricultural Systems by the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (2014). Currently associate researcher (DCR) at the Federal University of Mato Grosso - UFMT, Campus Rondonópolis, Brazil. ORCID: 0000-0002-9488-1042

C. A. Salvador, received the BSc. in Agricultural Engineering from Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2007), MSc. in Agricultural Engineering from State University of Campinas, Brazil (2010) and PhD in Sciences in the program: Engineering of Agricultural Systems by the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (2013). Currently assistant professor in the Engineering Department at the Federal Rural of University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Brazil and the undergraduate course vice coordinator in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering. ORCID: 0000-0002-5503-9573

C.D.G.C. Almeida, received the BSc. in Agronomy from the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region (1994), postgraduate in Agricultural Sciences from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil (1998), MaSc. in Agronomy (Soil Sciences) from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (1998) and PhD in Irrigation and Drainage from the “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture (ESALQ / USP) with training in the split-site doctorate at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. She is a full professor at the Dom Agostinho Ikas Agricultural College (CODAI) of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE). Permanent professor in the Postgraduate Program in Agricultural Engineering at UFRPE. ORCID: 0000-0001-6073-3853.

T.A. Botrel, received the BSc. in Agricultural Engineering from Federal University of Lavras Brazil (1980), MSc. at Agricultural Engineering from University of São Paulo, Brazil (1984) and PhD at Agronomy from University of São Paulo, Brazil (1988). He is currently a titular professor in the Department of Biosystems at the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), University of São Paulo (USP). ORCID: 0000-0003-3001-3243

How to cite: Alves, D. G, Pinto, M. F, Damasceno, A.P.A.B, Salvador, C. A, Almeida, C.D.G.C. and Botrel, T. A. Irrigation system with ultra low flow using branched microtubes. DYNA, 87(212), pp. 277-283, January - March, 2020.

Received: April 30, 2018; Revised: September 21, 2019; Accepted: October 21, 2019

Creative Commons License The author; licensee Universidad Nacional de Colombia