Project Analysis & Design Objectives 

This proposal is designed for a rectangular plot of land measuring 750m x 2500m (187.5 Hectares) for wheat cultivation in Iraq. As this is the first modern irrigation system for this farm, our design  prioritizes:  

• Maximum Water Efficiency: Combatting the hot, arid climate and high evaporation rates.  

• Increased Wheat Yield & Uniformity: Ensuring every part of the field receives consistent  water and nutrients.  

• Simplicity and Reliability: Providing a system that is easy for a new user to manage.  

• Salinity Management: A common challenge in arid regions that can be managed with proper  irrigation.

Recommended System: Surface Drip Irrigation with Drip Tape 

We strongly recommend a Surface Drip Irrigation System. This involves laying thin-walled pipes (drip  tape) along the wheat planting rows. 

Why this is the best choice for Iraq: • Saves Water: Delivers water directly to the plant roots, with almost no loss to evaporation. This  can reduce water consumption by 30-50% compared to sprinklers.  

• Increases Yield: Precise water and nutrient delivery (fertigation) during critical growth stages  (germination, flowering) leads to stronger plants and higher, more uniform grain yields.  

• Reduces Weeds & Disease: By keeping the areas between rows dry, it significantly suppresses  weed growth and reduces fungal diseases that thrive on wet leaves.  

• Saves Energy: Drip systems operate at lower pressure than sprinkler systems, reducing  fuel/electricity costs for pumping.  

Preliminary System Design & Components 

The 187.5-hectare farm is too large to irrigate all at once. We will divide it into manageable Irrigation  Blocks of approximately 10-12 hectares each. The pump will irrigate one block at a time (rotational  irrigation).  

 1. Head Control Unit (The "Heart" of the System) 

  •Water Source & Pump: A powerful Diesel Pump drawing water from a canal, river, or well.  We will need to know the water source to recommend the exact pump size.  

  • Filtration (Crucial for Drip): 

    • Primary Filter: Centrifugal Sand Separator to remove sand and large particles.  

    • Secondary Filter: A large bank of Disc Filters with Automatic Backwash. This is  essential for preventing the drip tape from clogging and ensures low maintenance.  

  • Fertigation System: A Fertilizer Injection Pump (e.g., Venturi injector or electric pump) to  apply soluble fertilizers directly through the irrigation system. This is a key advantage for  boosting wheat yield.  

  • Control & Safety: Main valves, pressure gauges, air release valves to control the system and  ensure safe operation. 

 2. Piping Network 

  •Mainline: Large diameter PVC or HDPE pipe running along the 2500m length of the field to  carry water from the pump to the different blocks.  

  •Sub-mainlines: Smaller flexible PE pipes (layflat hoses) branching off the mainline to feed the  drip tapes in each block. These are durable and easy to install/remove.  

 3. In-Field Components

    • Drip Tape: This is the core component.  

    • Type: Thin-wall drip tape (e.g., 16mm diameter).  

    • Spacing: One line of drip tape for every 2-3 rows of wheat (approx. 30-45 cm  spacing between drip lines).  

    • Emitter Spacing: Emitters (holes) spaced every 20-30 cm along the tape.  

    • Flow Rate: Low flow rate emitters (e.g., 1.0 - 1.5 Liters/hour) to allow slow, deep  water penetration.

Expected Benefits & ROI

After implementing the drip irrigation system, the farm can expect the following benefits:

• Water savings: 30–50% compared to traditional irrigation

• Yield increase: 15–30% improvement in wheat production

• Fertilizer efficiency: up to 25% reduction through fertigation

• Reduced labor costs: automated irrigation management

• Improved soil health: better salinity control and moisture balance

This system provides a sustainable and cost-effective solution for large-scale wheat production in arid climates.

FAQ for the Project

1. Why is drip irrigation suitable for wheat farms in Iraq?
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation losses and improving water efficiency in hot and arid climates.

2. How long does the drip tape last?
Thin-wall drip tape typically lasts one wheat growing season, after which it can be replaced for the next crop cycle.

3. Can fertilizer be applied through the irrigation system?
Yes. The system includes a fertigation unit that allows soluble fertilizers to be injected directly into the irrigation water.

4. Is the system difficult to maintain?
No. With proper filtration and regular flushing, drip irrigation systems are reliable and easy to maintain.

Need a Custom Irrigation Solution for Your Farm?
Runnong engineers can design a water-efficient irrigation system tailored to your farm size, crops, and climate conditions.

✔ Farm irrigation design
✔ Pump and filtration selection
✔ Complete system supply
✔ Installation guidance

Contact us today to get a customized irrigation proposal.