Drip irrigation system for coconut palms

Abstract

The objective of this project is to implement a drip irrigation system for coconut palm crops to improve labor efficiency and reduce water consumption, there by promoting more sustainable production. The plan is to replace traditional irrigation methods, which tend to require greater volumes of water and intensive manual labor, with an automated precision drip system. This modification will allow for efficient water application, which will reduce losses due to evaporation and runoff, as well as free up human resources for other plantation tasks. The system was designed based on an analysis of the terrain and soil in order to determine the most appropriate distribution of drip emitters. The automation technology was implemented through the design and construction of an electronic card based on a Microchip PIC18F25K50 microcontroller, which has a real-time clock (to program the days, time, and duration of irrigation) and electromagnetic contacts for starting or for the irrigation pump. It also has a power system with overload protection to protect the pump, an electrical control system for manual start and stop via buttons mounted on an electrical panel,  which facilitates irrigation automation. The infrastructure includes the installation of pipes, drip emitters, and a programmable control system that adjusts the frequency and duration of irrigation based on weather conditions and crop demands.

The expected impacts are the optimization of water resources, which is expected to significantly reduce water consumption (between 30% and 50% compared to conventional systems). Reduction in labor, as automation will decrease the dependence on manual irrigation interventions, allowing staff to focus on other critical crop tasks. This will improve coconut productivity and quality, as precise and controlled irrigation promotes root development and, therefore, increases fruit productivity and quality. In terms of environmental sustainability, the rational use of water and the reduction of inputs derived from inefficient practices will contribute to more environmentally friendly production. The combination of technological innovation and agronomic management. The implementation of drip irrigation in the town of Buena Vista, Municipality of La Unión de Isidoro Montes de Oca, Guerrero, will not only allow for more efficient use of water resources and a reduction in labor, but will also lay the foundation for sustainable and profitable production in the long term.