Analysis of Discharge in Subsurface Drip Irrigation System Operated by Boat-Based Solar Energy

Abstract

The sustainable use of water in agriculture is a critical concern in the face of depleting groundwater resources, erratic rainfall patterns, and growing food demands. Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), when combined with solar energy, offers a viable technological intervention to enhance water productivity, reduce operational costs, and promote environmentally conscious farming. This research presents a field-based study on a subsurface drip irrigation system powered by a boat-based solar pump installed at the riverbanks of Burhi Gandak, near Pusa, Samastipur in Bihar. The study evaluates spatial and temporal variations in emitter discharge under real-world field conditions using an engineering-based methodology. A total of 45 discharge observations were recorded in April and May, 2022 across multiple laterals and emitter positions. The overall average discharge was found to be 1.876 lph, with minimal deviation suggesting good hydraulic performance. The findings underscore the potential of integrating renewable energy with micro-irrigation systems to support sustainable agriculture in energy-deficient, water-stressed environments.