JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.
  • About K
  • Academics
  • Admission
  • Alumni Relations
  • Giving to K
  • News & Events
  • Student Life
  • HORNET HIVE
  • ATHLETICS
  • SITEMAP
  • WEBMAIL
    • Login
    View Item 
    •   CACHE Homepage
    • Academic Departments, Programs, and SIPs
    • Physics
    • Physics Senior Integrated Projects
    • View Item
    •   CACHE Homepage
    • Academic Departments, Programs, and SIPs
    • Physics
    • Physics Senior Integrated Projects
    • View Item

    Sustainable Irrigation in the Developing World

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    Searchable PDF / Kalamazoo College Only (4.131Mb)
    Date
    2022
    Author
    Meyer, Samuel
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    This SIP analyzes an application of physical theories to the design of a sustainable irrigation system like the one constructed in the village of Pawaga. Unlike most physics SIPs whose subject matter is supported by organized research experiences or internships, this SIP was supported by a volunteer experience. My specific contributions to the project (both on and off location) include surveying the system site, researching and studying fluid mechanics, aiding with the system’s design and installation, and project funding. The individual components that make up the system are as follows: Little Ruaha River (source of water), 3-acre horticultural plot (sink for water), drip-line irrigators, 5000 L reservoir tank, electric pump, solar panels, electrical grid control box, water filter, and connective piping of varying diameters. I was able to develop a physical model using the irrigation system’s parameters and other data that pertains to the site. The model will study the flow of fluid through the system. Measurements were taken repeatedly throughout the project’s schedule. Specifically, I measured distances, diameters, flow rates, and air pressure. With these measurements I calculated hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure, measured the angle of the slope that separates the tank and river, and modeled the water moving from elevated source to sink. The irrigation project is an overall success. This project is an ongoing one as I depart from the project site. Since my departure updates on the project and communication with the student’s SIP mentor has been maintained. As the system exists now there are 3-acres of irrigated soil. Since its construction, the system has yielded one successful season of crops. This SIP has presented a dripline irrigation system that successfully functions at a scale above that of a home garden and argues that its design may be implemented as a solution for regions of the world that are challenged with regards to agriculture.
    URI
    https://cache.kzoo.edu/handle/10920/43437
    Collections
    • Physics Senior Integrated Projects [329]

    Browse

    All of CACHECommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

    My Account

    Login

    DSpace software copyright © 2002-2023  DuraSpace
    DSpace Express is a service operated by 
    Atmire NV
    Logo

    Kalamazoo College
    1200 Academy Street
    Kalamazoo Michigan 49006-3295
    USA
    Info 269-337-7000
    Admission 1-800-253-3602

    About K
    Academics
    Admission
    Alumni Relations
    Giving to K
    News & Events
    Student Life
    Sitemap
    Map & Directions
    Contacts
    Directories
    Nondiscrimination Policy
    Consumer Information
    Official disclaimer
    Search this site


    Academic Calendars
    Apply
    Bookstore
    Crisis Response
    Employment
    Library
    Registrar
    DSpace Express is a service operated by 
    Atmire NV