Flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film

Abstract

The invention refers to a flood or gravity irrigation system by channels using plastic film that aims to make water consumption more efficient and reduce the loss of water from filtration; characterized by the use of plastic film with the width necessary to form a transport channel for a flow of flood irrigation water between furrows, and long enough to cover the length of the furrows; said film includes along its entire length, distributed equidistantly or not, a large amount of perforations and/or frangible sections defined by tapering lines or by a succession of small perforations or cuts that create different shapes, which can be removed to create successive, alternating, or discontinuous perforations in the film, through which water is distributed to the root system of the crops, according to the type of crop and the required amounts of water. Said plastic film is installed manually or with a machine in the valleys made between the furrows, creating a transport channel for irrigation water and with its side edges buried in the sides of the furrow, completely covering the valleys and part of the sides of the furrow.

1 . A flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film with perforations and/or frangible sections defined by tapering lines or by a succession of small perforations or cuts that upon being removed define perforations, wherein said plastic film has the necessary width to be installed in the furrows of the cultivated land and form an open channel that covers the entire valleys and part of the sides of the furrows, leaving the ridge of the furrow exposed where the plants are grown, and through which the flow of flood irrigation water is guided; where said perforations or frangible sections that upon detaching create perforations and permit the distribution of water with or without fertilizers, herbicides, and/or other chemical products dissolved in it directly to the root system of the plants; said perforations or frangible strips, distributed equidistantly or not, and in successive, alternating, or discontinuous patterns, and located at the center of the cross section of the film, in areas close to the sides, either alternating between the two positions or randomly, so that water distribution is uniform, with the required amount depending on the type of crop; said film is installed manually or with a machine, in which the side edges of the plastic film are buried or pressed into the sides of the furrows, with the edges of said film being buried up to 2 cm to 5 cm to be secured in the ground. 
     
     
         2 . The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the width of the plastic film is dependent upon the distance that exists between furrows in each plot, with enough space to create the shape of the channel that will permit water to pass over the plastic film. 
     
     
         3 . The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said perforations and/or frangible sections that come off to create perforations, have a circular shape with a diameter that ranges from 1 to 3.5 inches, preferably 2 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the distance of separation between said perforations and/or frangible sections that come off to create perforations, is between 20 cm and 50 cm, with an optimal distance between perforations of 30 cm. 
     
     
         5 . The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the film is in a range of 50 gauges (12.5 microns) to 125 gauges (31.25 microns), and preferably is 80 gauges (20 microns). 
     
     
         6 . The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said machine for installing the plastic film consists of an attachment that is mounted to a tractor, where the rolls of plastic film are installed crosswise, with a mechanism of side wheels that turn to unroll the film and a mechanism of disks mounted laterally that press the side edges of the plastic film against the furrow, burying the edges in the sides of the furrows. 
     
     
         7 . The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with the  claim 1 , wherein said plastic film includes one exterior exposed side and one side that faces the ground, both black in color. 
     
     
         8 . The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with the  claim 7 , wherein said exterior side has a reflective color for the reflection of light that keeps the light spectrum in a range to ward off organisms that are harmful to crops and stimulate the light fertilization of plants, with the opposite side being black in color to prevent sun rays from passing through to the soil, preventing the growth of weeds and stimulating an increase in soil temperature. 
     
     
         9 . The flood irrigation system by channels using plastic film, in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein at the end of each furrow, said plastic film forms a small reservoir or containment barrier at the ends of the furrows to allow water to be held and completely absorbed.