SPECIFICATION OF CENTER-PIVOT IRRIGATION BASED ON LOAD-CONTROL CONSTRAINTS

A numerical simulation (model) evaluated combinations of irrigation system capacity and scheduling protocol to minimize the risk associated with irrigating potato under the constraints of load-control programs in Wisconsin. Results from the model indicated that a center pivot irrigation system capacity of 4540 L/min operated with a scheduling program based on the soil water balance minimized the economic risks associated with irrigating potato under the constraints imposed by energy load-control programs. Increasing the system capacity from 3785 L/min provides greater flexibility in choosing and adjusting an irrigation scheduling program to variable seasonal and yearly weather conditions. This model clearly demonstrated that a system capacity of 2840 L/min is not sufficient to participate in a loadcontrol program.