PresTi

PReSTI: irrigation drop by drop

Laboratory trials for water drops © Irstea

This is the irrigation research and testing platform (PReSTI), located in Montpellier. Research carried out on the smallest drop !

A key agricultural challenge, irrigation is the subject of focused research. At Irstea, the PReSTI platform [1] is dedicated to innovating irrigation materials and practices. Its strong point is combining laboratory methods (controlled conditions) with in-field experiments (real conditions).

"One of the platform's areas of work is the development of practices adapted to a specific material, able to cope with any type of weather conditions or water quality, explains Bruno Molle, researcher at Irstea's Montpellier center. For example, we looked at the mechanics of dispersion in water jets in the laboratory, and then under the influence of wind in-field."

The team carries out tests and research into water transfers in irrigated ground. 2 devices have been patented:

• a sensor (TGE) for measuring soil moisture tension
• a water distributor (DA-EU) to prevent distributors from clogging due to particles in wastewater or to the development of biofilms.

Looking at drops © IrsteaThe work carried out so far goes into great detail, down to each drop ! "We can measure and model the size and speed of drops, even how they are dispersed in the air and how wind affects them, specifies the scientist. The aim of this work is obviously to save water using technology : what type of irrigation, what distributor, what pressure."

Supporting manufacturers

The facilities are not only used for research; they also make it possible to carry out tests on materials developed by manufacturers under real conditions, in order to evaluate their compliance with current standards. Some tests lead to R&D or research activities.

In order to preserve fresh water reserves, authorities are now asking scientists how to reuse treated wastewater for irrigation. Where does the water go? What does it contain? What adapted equipment must be developed? Irrigation for today and tomorrow: challenges and solutions!

For more information

• Focus on. Reducpol, research platform to evaluate the application and spraying of phytosanitary products
• Consult the page of the Water resource management, actors and uses (G-EAU) joint research unit.
• The Irstea Montpellier center

1] Science and technology of irrigation research and testing platform (PReSTI).