Research Information System
African Journal of Agricultural Research, vol.5, no.10, pp.999-1014, 2010 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
The sustainability (SAI and AIR), cost (MBR, PCR, ECR and CPA) and energy consumption (SEC and AI) performance of Bagarasi pumping irrigation system (BPIS) and Turkelli pumping irrigation system TPIS) pumped irrigation systems were determined according to these 8 indicators. Also, the potential nergy saving and repayment period on investment for replacing the standard electric motors with high fficiency motors was determined. Calculated values of SIA for BPIS (445.9%) and TPIS (36.7%) were elow the ideal. Calculated actual values of AIR for BPIS (13.7 ha km-1) and TPIS (15.4 ha km-1) were ower than indicator values calculated according to the system's projected values. These indicators howed that the system was not sustainable with regard to irrigated area and infrastructure. MBR alues for BPIS (7.3%) and TPIS (6.2%) were lower than the ideal. ECR value of BPIS (27.5%) was lower han that for TPIS (55.5%). The value of PCR for BPIS (61.3%) was higher than that for TPIS (34.3%). alculated CPA values for both TPIS (178 $ha-1) and BPIS (513 $ha-1) were higher than the indicator alues calculated according to the system's projected values. Cost indicators showed that in both ystems maintenance work was inadequate, energy expenditure was higher than other forms of xpenditure and that the unit price of irrigation water was high. SECa and SECi values were 0.051 kWhm-3 and 0.020 kWhm-3 respectively for BPIS and 0.105 kWhm-3 and 0.029 kWhm-3 for TPIS. RAI values for BPIS (39.80%) were higher than that for TPISs (27.53%). In addition, RAI values for the year after a compensation system was installed for BPIS did not exceed the projected limit. These indicators show that the use of energy in TPIS was relatively good compared to BPIS. The use of high efficiency motors secured a 10.87 - 13.89% energy saving in the systems. The repayment period for the motors was less than 2 years. To improve system performance, efficiency in the transmission and use of water must be improved and high efficiency motors must be used to power the pumps. Also, if energy monitoring and control systems are installed which operate remotely and in real time, these will increase the efficiency of energy use. © 2010 Academic Journals.