Optimum design of microirrigation systems in sloping lands

When an area to be irrigated has a high slope gradient in the manifold line direction, an option is to use a tapered pipeline to economize on pipe costs and to keep pressure head variations within desired limits. The objective of this paper is to develop a linear optimization model to design a microirrigation system with tapered, downhill manifold lines, minimizing the equivalent annual cost of the hydraulic network and the annual pumping cost, and maximizing the emission uniformity previously established to the subunit. The input data are irrigation system layout, cost of all hydraulic network components, and electricity price. The output data are equivalent annual cost, pipeline diameter in each line of the system, pressure head in each node, and total operating pressure head. To illustrate its capability, the model is applied in a citrus orchard in Sao, Paulo State, Brazil, considering slopes of 3, 6, and 9%. The model proved to be efficient in the design of the irrigation system in terms of the emission uniformity desired.

A cost optimization-based design of precast concrete floors using genetic algorithms

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Design of a LNA and a Gilbert Cell Mixer MMICs with a GaAs PHEMT technology

The design of a Gilbert Cell Mixer and a low noise amplifier (LNA), using GaAs PHEMT technology is presented. The compatibility is shown for co-integration of both block on the same chip, to form a high performance 1.9 GHz receiver front-end. The designed LNA shows 9.23 dB gain and 2.01 dB noise figure (NF). The mixer is designed to operate at RF=1.9 GHz, LO=2.0 GHz and IF=100 MHz with a gain of 14.3 dB and single sideband noise figure (SSB NF) of 9.6 dB. The mixer presents a bandwith of 8 GHz.

On designing linearly-tunable ultra-low voltage CMOS gm-C filters

A linearly-tunable ULV transconductor featuring excellent stability of the processed signal common-mode voltage upon tuning, critical for very-low voltage applications, is presented. Its employment to the synthesis of CMOS gm-C high-frequency and voiceband filters is discussed. SPICE data describe the filter characteristics. For a 1.3 V-supply, their nominal passband frequencies are 1.0 MHz and 3.78 KHz, respectively, with tuning rates of 12.52 KHz/mV and 0.16 KHz/m V, input-referred noise spectral density of 1.3 μV/Hz1/2 and 5.0μV/Hz1/2 and standby consumption of 0.87 mW and 11.8 μW. Large-signal distortion given by THD = 1% corresponds to a differential output-swing of 360 mVpp and 480 mVpp, respectively. Common-mode voltage deviation is less than 4 mV over tuning interval.

A linearly-tunable OTA-C sinusoidal oscillator for low-voltage applications

A low-voltage, low-power OTA-C sinusoidal oscillator based on a triode-MOSFET transconductor is here discussed. The classical quadrature model is employed and the transconductor inherent nonlinear characteristic with input voltage is used as the amplitude-stabilization element. An external bias VTUNE linearly adjusts the oscillation frequency. According to a standard 0.8μm CMOS n-well process, a prototype was integrated, with an effective area of 0.28mm2. Experimental data validate the theoretical analysis. For a single 1.8V-supply and 100mV≤VTUNE≤250mV, the oscillation frequency fo ranges from 0.50MHz to 1.125MHz, with a nearly constant gain KVCO=4.16KHz/mV. Maximum output amplitude is 374mVpp @1.12MHz. THD is -41dB @321mVpp. Maximum average consumption is 355μW.

On designing linearly tunable high-Q OTA-C filters with low sensitivity

This paper discusses a design approach for a high-Q low-sensitivity OTA-C biquad bandpass section. An optimal relationship is established between transconductances defining the differenceβ - γ in the Q-factor denominator, setting the Q-sensitivity to tuning voltages around unity. A 30-MHz filter was designed based on a 0.35μn CMOS process and VDD=3.3V. A range of circuit simulation supports the theoretical analysis. Q-factor spans from 20.5 to 60, while ensuring filter stability along the tuning range. Although a Mode-operating OTA is used, the procedure can be extended to other types of transconductor.

Precisão de plantas planialtimétricas em função do posicionamento de pontos em irradiadas de campo

The present experiment aimed to study the influence of point positioning in an irradiated field to produce a planialtimetric plant. A planialtimetric evaluation was carried out in a 14-acre experimental area with well-defined topographic variations. Planialtimetric maps were designed using manual procedures, Datageosis and Topoesalq. Datageosis built all the curves after numerical surface modeling. Topoesalq provided only height reports and the drawing of curves was done manually. The third method was a manual procedure. Because there were planialtimetry representation differences, longitudinal profiles were used in the sites where there was a great divergence among plants. When obtained profiles and plants were compared, it was verified that the one produced by Datageosis represented the relief plant better. Later, only the irradiated field points were evaluated and each point presented positioned readings before and after each relief map variation. The processing through the three methods resulted in significant plants of the local planialtimetry, according to the control profiles. It was concluded that the planning of the field procedure should be suitable to the posterior treatment method of obtained data in order to make a planialtimetric plant to accord to the evaluated local topography.

Área foliar e evapotranspiração de callas cultivadas em substrato em função do nível freático

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of five different water levels on the crop development of Calla. The crop parameters evaluated were leaf area and evapotranspiration. The study was conducted in glass greenhouse with 50% of sunlight reduction. The plants were grown in PVC pots with 150 mm diameter, which were filled with substrate. The plant tubers weighed from 10 g to 12 g. The pots were placed within containers, under water level constant automatically.. The table water levels used were 10, 17, 24, 31 and 38 cm. Nine evaluations during the growth cycle checked the growth development. The evaporation varied from 26.89 to 46.14 L.plant-1 for 38 and 10 cm water levels, respectively and leaf area per plant showed 1011.6 to 2016.3 for the same levels. The substrate water was more available in the treatment 24 cm, with more restrictions in the upper and lower treatments. There was positive correlation between leaf area and evapotranspiration at the final of the culture.

Orientação geográfica de estufas de polietileno e potenciais de água no solo no cultivo do melão rendilhado híbrido 'nero'

This study aimed to verify the effects of four different minimum soil watler potentials (-30, -40, -50 e -70 kPa) and two different plastic tunnel positions (North-South and East-West) on net melon yield. The results showed that in the East-West position the yield and fruit weight were higher than in the North-South position. The highest yields of melon crop were obtained from -30 kPa. to -40 kPa minimum soil water potential.

Distribuição da evaporação no interior de um ambiente protegido

This work aimed to study evaporation distribution in a protected environment. The experiment was set up in polyethylene greenhouse at the Lageado Experimental Farm in the School of Agronomic Sciences (FCA, UNESP-Botucatu) in the winter of 2005. 132 500-ml plastic micro evaporimeters (13.7 diameter) were used used to obtain evaporation values and analyze spatial energy distribution. These micro evaporimeters were distributed in 44 equidistant points, at three different heights from the soil surface: 0.40, 0.80 and 1.20cm The tunnel-type greenhouse was 7.5 m wide, 27.5 m long and 3.20 m high at the center, and was covered with black shadow screen (sombrite) on the sides. Southeast/northwest orientation, based on true north, was used foro othe greenhouse longitudinal axis. For variable comparison, a geostatistics was used through the □GS+ program. From obtained data, it was concluded that: there was spatial variability at different points and heights of the microevaporation values obtained from micro evaporimeters were not greenhouse; the Class A Pan installed outside the greenhouse can be used to evaluate the internal evaporation.

Distribuição da energia no interior de uma estufa plástica no período inverno

This work aimed to study the energy distribution in protected environment during the winter of 2005. A plastic tunnel (27.5 m long, 7.5 m wide, 3.2 m high in the center and 2.00 m high in both lateral sides) was covered with polyethylene 100 micra and black shadow screen (sombrite) in lateral sides at the FCA/UNESP, Botucatu - SP. 142 minievaporimeters (500 ml volume and 147 cm2 area) were evenly distributed and set up at three heights: 0.40 m; 0.80 m and 1.20 m from soil surface in order to analyze energy distribution along the studied area. The greenhouse longitudinal axis was northwest/southeast, based on true north. Geosatistics principles and the GS+ Program were adopted to compare variables. From obtained results, it was concluded that there were significant evaporation variations at different points anf heights; the highest values were the ones closest to the soil surface (0.40m) in July and at highest heights (0.80 and 1.20m). Highest evaporations occurred in the southeastern side of the greenhouse.

Efeito de resíduos vegetais de milheto (Pennisetum americanum) e da calagem em algumas propriedades físicas e químicas de um nitossolo vermelho em sistema de semeadura direta

This work studied alterations of physical properties of a distroferric red nitosol due to millet (Pennisetum americanum) covering, with or without liming, in a no-tillage system during the agricultural years of 1999/2000 and 2000/2001, using soybean and corn as culture succession. 6m×10m plots, with and without millet as vegetal covering, received only one initial superficial application of limestone, 3.1 t ha-1 in the first half of each plot in order to obtain 70% base saturation (V), after the desiccation of the millet. Some physical properties as soil density, aggregate stability, > 2 mm aggregate proportion, macro and micro porosity were analyzed whereas the chemical analysis determined Ca and Mg macro nutrients, organic matter, soil pH and H+Al. Millet vegetal residues and surface liming did not alter soil density nor the average weight diameter (AWD), > 2 mm aggregate, soil macro porosity and organic matter content, twenty-four months after the no-tillage system implantation for studied experimental conditions. Soil micro porosity was significantly affected in layers deeper than 0.20 m, in treatment with millet and limestone. Calcium, magnesium and H + Al contents and the soil pH values suffered significant alterations in superficial layer, between 0-0.05 m.

Comparação de dois métodos de aplicação de fungicidas, irrigação por gotejamento e pulverização convencional no controle do mofo cinzento (Botrytis cinerea Pers.: Fr.) em vasos com plantas de lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) Shinn.)

Plan disease control techniques are used through the irrigation water, which reduces the labor and it improves application uniformity with smaller contact of the operator with toxic products, lower environmental impact and lower production cost. In order to control Botrytis cinerea the lisianthus culture, this work aimed to evaluate two fungicide application methods with different treatments. The fungicides were: thiophanate methyl (50 g i.a. L-1), thiophanate methyl + chlorothalonil (50 g i.a. L-1 + 35 g i.a. L-1) and iprodione (50 g i.a. L-1). Number of lesions, number of diseased floral buttons and height of the lisianthus plants were evaluated. It was possible to deduce, that in the growth stage (number of lesions in the plant) as well as in the final stage (number of floral buttons) of the lisianthus culture, the most efficient treatments were 2 (thiophanate methyl + chlorothalonil) and 3 (iprodione). Considering that treatment 2 is a mixture of two fungicides, a systemic and a contact one, independently of application methods, the mixture increased efficiency in relation to treatment 1 (thiophanate methyl). Thus, chemigation was as efficient as spreading technique.

Uso racional de nutrientes no cultivo hidropônico de amorperfeito

The objective of this work was to evaluate different concentrations of nutritional solution in the hydroponic cultivation of Viola x wittrockiana Gams. The experiment was conducted in DFT hydroponic system, in a completely randomized design with a 5×4 factorial scheme and five nutrient solution concentrations (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150%), four evaluation periods with three replications of three plants for each treatment. Plant height, root length, number of leaves, flowers and floral buttons; fresh and dry weight of shoot and root were determined. The results were submitted to variance analysis, Tukey's test for evaluation periods and regression analysis for nutrient solution. A decrease in the development of the shoot and root was observed with an increase of the number of cultivation days; the greatest number of floral buttons occurred in the third week of cultivation. A reduction in the plant height, root system length, the number of leaves and the fresh and dry weight of shoot was observed generally with the increase of nutrient solution concentration.

Produção de variedades de alface sob diferentes potenciais de água no solo em ambiente protegido

The knowledge of meteorological elements in protected environment is very important for commercial plants, because of possibility to produce for all the year according to the study conduced in Botucatu - SP, in order to evaluate the effects of different irrigation treatments on three lettuce cultivars. (Lisa, Crespa and American). The study was developed in a polyethilene tunnel with orientation northeast/southwest (NE/SW) and the fertigation through drip irrigation. Leaf number, head diameter, fresh weigh, dry weigh, meteorological elements and evaporation from minievaporimeters were determined. Four treatments of minimum soil water potential were applied: 20, 28, 35 and 45 kPa and the results showed the treatment -35 kPa showed the highest lettuce production and maximurn water efficiency use. The highest productions occurred in May/June, July/September and September/November, while the worst one was in February/April. There was not significant difference of dry mass production among the treatments, independently of the year period with exception of the Crespa cultivar which was superior in September/November. The south face showed the highest evaporation.