Evaluation of some landscape irrigation systems in Thrace-Turkey

In this study, existing irrigation systems in 9 recreation areas considered in three different provinces of Thrace region were analysed in terms of project, application and operation. The existing climate, plant, water source, soil and topography characteristics of these areas were determined. Then, taking into account these values collected for each area, preliminary design factors were calculated, the system layout was arranged and dimensioned. The results were compared with the current irrigation systems and the differences between them were tried to be revealed. As a result, it was determined that most of the current irrigation systems were not designed according to scientific principles, material selection and application were not made properly, and the operation of system was not based on any data. In order to prevent the repetition of the identified mistakes; irrigation systems should be planned by experts in accordance with the plant pattern, pre-projecting factors should be determined by making detailed resource search in this process, system layout should be done correctly in the projecting phase, correct sizing of the irrigation components could be managed, application should be in accordance with the project, operation should be done correctly and the area should be continuously monitored and evaluated. In order to achieve these objectives without spending too much water and energy, it is emphasised that for landscape architects and irrigation engineers working together has critical importence. Keywords: Drip Irrigation System, Landscape Irrigation System, Subdrip Irrigation System, Sprinkler Irrigation System