A procedure for designing micro irrigation systems through three modules was derived based on the emitter characteristics, number and shape of subunits, and distribution pipe sizing and location. The module of emitter characteristics was intended to help in the selection of emitters according to their flow rates, operating pressure, exponent of discharge, manufacturer's coefficient of variation, number of emitters per plant and emission uniformity. The module of number of subunits was made to determine the potential number of subunits and the area and shape for each subunit. The module of distribution pipes was developed to help in the design of lenghts and diameters of pipes used in the distribution system as well as in their location in the field. A design evaluation part was included, based on the comparison of the design emission uniformity with absolute emission uniformity.
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Suggestions are given for the field evaluation of the operating system. Finally, considerations are reported to assist in the selection of the most appropriate uniformity coefficient, based on economic, agronomic and environmental parameters.
