1. 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.

2.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.  

4. 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).  

 4.1. 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. 

 4.2. 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.  

 4.3. 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.