Reel Irrigation Tech: Insights from France & Italy for China's Agricultural Water-Saving
From October 3 to 17, 1997, China's Ministry of Water Resources inspected water-saving irrigation equipment production and application in France and Italy, aiming to learn advanced experience, introduce tech/equipment, and boost China's agricultural water-saving irrigation development.
1. Overview of Reel Irrigation Equipment in France & Italy
In the early 1970s, France and Italy developed reel irrigation machines by addressing flaws in sprinkler and micro-irrigation tech, adapting to large-scale irrigation, and solving water-saving needs for field crops (wheat, corn, soybeans). After testing, mass production began in 1978; process improvements enhanced adaptability/flexibility and reduced costs.
Today, reel irrigation machines are widespread in Europe, with 60-70% of plain farmlands in France and Italy using them. Key global manufacturers include France’s IRRIFRANCE, Italy’s IRRIMEC/IDROFOGLIA, and Austrian firms, with annual production of 1,000-2,000 units (70-90% for export). Markets cover Europe (France, Austria, Germany, Spain), North America (U.S.), Americas (Brazil, Mexico), plus emerging Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Italian equipment stands out for meeting technical requirements, strong adaptability, and lower prices. Some models have microcomputers to control water volume, irrigation time, and reel speed, exporting to both developing and developed countries (U.S., Germany, Nordic nations). Companies like IDROFOGLIA are expanding (from 1,000 to 1,600 units/year).
2. Working Principle & Features of Reel Irrigation Machines
2.1 Working Principle
- **Components**: Reel drive system (core), frame/reel hose, sprinkler trolley.
- **Power types**: Water-driven turbine (advantageous) or water-pressure capsule-driven reel.
- **Operation**: Pressurized water flows to the sprinkler trolley for atomized irrigation; the reel drive system rotates the reel to retract the hose and trolley, enabling mobile irrigation.
2.2 Irrigation Process
1. Place the host on one side of the field; pull the trolley to the other side, unrolling the 200-400m hose.
2. Input 4-10Pa pressurized water; the sprinkler (25-50m range, 180° rotation) starts working.
3. Pressurized water powers the reel to rotate, pulling the hose and trolley; irrigation runs unattended for ~10 hours.
4. The trolley sprays while moving; full hose retraction completes irrigation. Rotate the machine for repositioning.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Applicability | Irrigates wheat, corn, soybeans, vegetables; uses various water sources; adapts to low pressure/flow. |
| Reliability | 20+ years of mature tech; simple, durable (20+ year lifespan); standard parts for easy maintenance. |
| Water/Energy Save| 50%+ water savings (2,250-3,000m³/ha/year for wheat/corn); 10% energy savings. |
| Land/Labor Save | Adapts to plains/gentle slopes; no field drainage works; 1 trained user operates, saves labor. |
| High Yield | Wheat: 7t/ha, corn:17t/ha, soybean:4t/ha (over double traditional yields). |
| Affordability | 4 models (large: ~$15,000; medium: ~$10,000; micro: $1,000-$1,400); 15-20% lower purchase/maintenance costs than sprinklers. |
3. Suggestions for Promoting Reel Irrigation Tech in China
3.1 Raise Awareness
China faces land/water scarcity; reel irrigation tech (adaptable, cost-effective, high-yield) suits water-scarce northern/plain regions. Promote it first in key irrigation counties, agricultural zones, and World Bank loan project areas.
3.2 Preferential Policies
1. **Funding**: Use irrigation funds, expand financing (IFAD/foreign loans); test replacing field works with reel machines in 3,300ha pilot areas.
2. **Drought Support**: Allocate drought-relief funds for drought areas to loan/lease reel machines.
3. **Local Production**: Encourage Sino-foreign joint ventures (French/Italian firms are willing) to produce equipment locally (most parts are domestically manufacturable, reducing costs).
4. **Market Cultivation**: Host training, seminars, and on-site events to popularize the tech.
3.3 Inter-Departmental Cooperation
Involve the State Planning Commission, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, etc., to prioritize reel irrigation tech, supporting its application for sustainable agricultural development.
