I. Principle of Mountainous Self-Pressure Storage and Micro-Irrigation Technology

Mountainous self-pressure storage and micro-irrigation utilizes the natural terrain of mountainous areas. A storage reservoir is constructed at a higher elevation, and then the natural drop in elevation is used to generate water conveyance pressure. This eliminates the need for additional pressurizing equipment to supply water to lower-lying fields for micro-irrigation. Essentially, it combines "self-pressure storage reservoirs" with "micro-irrigation" to form "storage and micro-irrigation." The micro-irrigation component uses drip irrigation pipes or pressure-compensating emitters with compensation capabilities, enabling uniform irrigation.

II. Basic Components of a Mountainous Self-Pressure Storage and Micro-Irrigation System

Basic Components: Water Source → Diversion Pool → Diversion Pipe → Storage Reservoir → Water Conveyance Pipeline → Field Micro-Irrigation Equipment.

Selecting the water source is crucial. Typically, perennial stream water from mountain gullies with good water quality is chosen. There should be a sufficient elevation difference between the water diversion point and the dryland. Based on the specific topography and water volume, a check dam should be constructed to intercept the gully water, trap sediment, and allow water to flow into the diversion pool as much as possible. The gully water undergoes initial sedimentation in the diversion pool before entering the storage reservoir via the diversion pipe.

The elevation difference between the storage reservoir and the irrigated fields should be at least 10-15 meters. The size of the reservoir is determined by the water source volume and the area to be irrigated, generally ranging from 50 to 120 cubic meters. The construction quality requirements for the reservoir are high; it is best to use a reinforced concrete structure. The reservoir body should be deeply buried underground, with the portion above ground preferably not exceeding one-third of the total volume.

The main water conveyance pipe is connected to the main supply valve at the lower part of the storage reservoir. The main pipe should be buried at a depth of at least 40 cm underground and generally should not be laid under roads or ditches to prevent damage. Branch pipes and valves are installed at various levels according to water conveyance needs. A sub-valve is installed at the connection point between the conveyance pipe and each field plot to regulate water pressure or for zonal irrigation. A filter must be installed at the outlet of the sub-valve before connecting to the field micro-irrigation system.

Field drip irrigation equipment can use drip tapes, drip irrigation pipes, or pressure-compensating emitters. Taking Hua Zui Irrigation's PCD pressure-compensating emitter as an example, it offers a wide compensation range, maintaining consistent outflow within a certain range of pressure variation, making it suitable for mountainous irrigation. When installing field micro-irrigation equipment, first connect one end of the black polyethylene water conveyance pipe to the filter at the water inlet, and seal the other end with a plug. Then, connect the emitters to the conveyance pipe using specialized fittings.

III. Precautions for Mountainous Self-Pressure Storage and Micro-Irrigation

1. Regularly inspect and clean the filters. Promptly remove accumulated impurities from the filters to prevent clogging. Check the filters for integrity and replace the filter screen immediately if damage is found.

2. Periodically flush the emitters. For newly installed drip irrigation pipes or tapes, flush them thoroughly with water to remove any impurities accumulated during installation before starting to use the micro-irrigation system.

3. Prevent damage to emitters. During farming operations such as hoeing, avoid damaging drip irrigation pipes, tapes, or emitters. When using drip tapes or pipes as emitters, maintain the operating water pressure at around 1 kg/cm² to prevent damage from excessive pressure.