A ‘universal design framework’ for installation planning and operational management of evaporation-suppressing films on agricultural reservoirs

Abstract

In Australia, the efficient use of stored agricultural water is critical as the population pressure and the variability in annual rainfall increase. One technique for reducing evaporation from larger open water reservoirs (>10ha) is the use of a monomolecular film. Highly variable performance attributed to the deleterious effects of wind and wave action discouraged adoption of the technology in the past. However, recent research has identified other contributing factors. In order to improve field performance and confidence in monolayers, a Universal Design Framework (UDF) has been developed. The UDF informs the selection of monolayer material and applicator system design for any given site; and informs and enables the automation of, day-to-day operational management. Also, the UDF can accommodate the wide range of environmental and operational factors encountered in the management of agricultural reservoirs, to calculate an optimal application system design and application strategy.