Cost of irrigation and profit of bean in a center pivot system with water pumped by diesel engine under variation of length pressurized pipe and topographic levels

Abstract

In this paper it was simulated the cost of irrigation by a center pivot system with water pumped by diesel engine under different pressurized pipe length and topographic levels in the brown bean growing, as well their profit. It was considered an irrigated area of 103.58 ha, that is the most economic system configuration from the considered variables. The cost of irrigation in brown bean growing ranged from 26.6 to 37.6% between the extreme conditions, in the lowest topographic level (40 m) and pressurized pipe length (2000 m) to the largest topographic level (80 m) and length (4000 m). In all irrigation system settings and with prices in August 2008 it would be viable to the brown bean growing, providing profits until US$ 2,199.80. Nevertheless with the average historic price the irrigated bean growing would be unviable, with losses reaching US$ 184.50.