Sprinkler Irrigation Scheduling for Rice Water Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rice cultivation methods require large amounts of water and are limited to flat terrain, making them inefficient and costly, especially in water-scarce regions, and there is a lack of knowledge on using sprinkler irrigation systems for optimal water, fertilizer, and pesticide application.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a sprinkler irrigation system to apply water, fertilizer, and pesticides in optimized amounts and timing, suitable for non-flooded fields, which includes determining specific water and fertilizer application schedules based on rice growth stages and climate conditions, and using self-propelled center pivot or linear move irrigation systems with wide wheels to minimize soil rutting and traction issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flood irrigation methods are used, then rice plants can survive and grow, but water consumption is extremely high (900 to 2290 mm per growing season)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of water application method from continuous flooding to controlled sprinkler irrigation with specific application rates (25-50 mm per irrigation) and frequencies (2-3 times per week), transforming the water consumption pattern while maintaining rice growth requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic irrigation applications instead of continuous flooding, scheduling water application at specific intervals (2-3 times per week) with each application providing 25-50 mm, thereby reducing overall water consumption while meeting crop needs
2Reliability
If traditional flood irrigation with bermed and contoured fields is used, then water can be controlled for rice growth, but the method is limited to flat terrain adjacent to rivers and streams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of berms and contours with a sprinkler irrigation system that can be transported and positioned on various terrains, eliminating the need for flat land preparation while maintaining water control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic, mobile sprinkler system that can adapt to different terrain conditions through self-propelled or tractor-drawn units, allowing rice cultivation on sloping and non-flat terrain that was previously unsuitable
3Reliability
If traditional flood irrigation is used, then weed control is achieved through saturated conditions, but the volume of water needed limits application in many areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weed control function from the water flooding mechanism itself, separating irrigation from weed control by using targeted chemical applications through the sprinkler system while applying only sufficient water for crop growth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces chemical agents as intermediaries to achieve weed control, using herbicides applied through the sprinkler irrigation system to replace the physical weed control mechanism of continuous flooding
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method reduces water consumption by up to 75% compared to traditional flooded methods, lowers production costs, and allows rice cultivation on non-flat terrain, increasing yields and enabling double crop rotation while maintaining soil health.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a sprinkler irrigation system to apply water, fertilizer and pesticides
Implementation Method 2
applying the water and fertilizer to the rice through the sprinkler irrigation system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for irrigating and fertilizing rice using a sprinkler irrigation system. The method includes the steps of providing a sprinkler irrigation system, determining an amount of water to be applied to the rice, determining an amount of fertilizer to be applied to the rice, and applying the water and fertilizer to the rice through the sprinkler irrigation system. Depending upon rainfall, the irrigation water may be applied to the rice an average of about one to two times per week between its planting and emergence, about two to three times per week between its emergence and its panicle initiation stage, about three to five times per week between its panicle initiation stage and its initial ripening stage, and about three to four times per week between the rice's initial ripening stage and its harvest.