Technical, managerial and economic aspects of the first large mutual sprinkler irrigation company in Piedmont [Italy]

摘要

After a concise presentation of the Moncrivello-Maglione irrigators Union (580 ha of irrigable surface), the innovations introduced according to the changing irrigation needs of the served territory during forty years of work are illustrated. The most technical part of the research was conducted through field trials on a sample of five sprinklers which are part of the equipment owned by the Union, applying pressures varying from 240 to 390 kPa. It was proved that the technical and economical requirements were fully met at operating pressures of～340 kPa with the sprinklers placed in conformity with a plan of equilateral triangles (side equal to 1.7 times the range). The economy of the irrigation was examined on the basis of the appropriation accounts between 1992 and 1996. During this period of time the average yearly cost for the Union was L 812 000/ha of watered surface. Some three-quarters of the cost is covered by the fees paid by the users, the remainder by public contributions and other incomes.