Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Irrigation is a cornerstone of Indian agriculture, particularly crucial for water-scarce regions. With nearly 60% of India’s agricultural land relying on irrigation, efficient water management is paramount. The question presented concerns a practical calculation related to irrigation, specifically determining the pump operation time based on water volume and discharge rate. This requires understanding the fundamental principles of volume calculation and unit conversion, vital skills for agricultural engineers and policymakers alike. The scenario focuses on a wheat crop, a staple grain in India, highlighting the significance of optimizing water use in its cultivation.
Calculations for Pump Operation Duration
1. Total Volume of Water Required
The area to be irrigated is 6 hectares, which is equivalent to 60,000 square meters (1 hectare = 10,000 square meters).
The depth of irrigation is 60 mm, which is equivalent to 0.06 meters (1 mm = 0.001 meters).
Therefore, the total volume of water required is: Area x Depth = 60,000 m2 x 0.06 m = 3600 m3
2. Pump Discharge Rate Conversion
The pump's discharge rate is given as 5 liters/second. We need to convert this to cubic meters/hour.
1 liter = 0.001 m3, and 1 hour = 3600 seconds.
Therefore, 5 liters/second = 5 x 0.001 m3/second = 0.005 m3/second.
Converting to cubic meters/hour: 0.005 m3/second x 3600 seconds/hour = 18 m3/hour
3. Duration of Pump Operation
Duration = Total Volume / Discharge Rate
Duration = 3600 m3 / 18 m3/hour = 200 hours
To convert hours to days: 200 hours / 24 hours/day = 8.33 days (approximately)
Therefore, the duration of pump operation is approximately 8.33 days.
Summary of Calculations
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 6 | hectares |
| Irrigation Depth | 60 | mm |
| Total Volume | 3600 | m3 |
| Pump Discharge Rate | 18 | m3/hour |
| Pump Operation Duration | 8.33 | days |
Important Considerations
- This calculation assumes uniform water distribution. In reality, variations in soil type and topography can affect water absorption.
- The calculation doesn't account for irrigation system efficiency (e.g., losses due to evaporation or leakage).
- The pump’s actual discharge rate might vary based on power supply and maintenance.
Conclusion
The calculation reveals that operating the pump for approximately 8.33 days is necessary to provide the required irrigation for the wheat crop. This demonstrates the importance of precise calculations in agricultural practices to optimize resource utilization. While the answer provides a theoretical value, factors like irrigation efficiency and soil characteristics warrant careful consideration in real-world applications. Promoting water-efficient irrigation techniques and regular maintenance of pumps are crucial for sustainable agricultural practices in India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.