PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEM USING LASER TECHNOLOGY IN AFRICAN ARID LANDS

Abstract

Laser technology is used widely in agriculture .This helps in overcoming the problems of land management in African countries. The fields of using such technology include : testing the seed quality , land leveling for irrigation water , rationalization , excavation of irrigation canals and drains and installation of subsurface drainage systems with accurate way . Therefore , the objective of this study is to evaluate subsurface drainage system implemented by using laser technique for controlling the drain depth and slopes in an area subjected to unstable sandy subsoil. The results of such study could be recommended to be applied in similar condition in African countries .

Methodology used in the study

The study was conducted at a pilot area subjected to sandy subsoil layers which creates problems during using the installation machines to install subsurface drainage. Many of African countries have similar soils . The study was conducted at a pilot area belongs to Drainage Research Institute (DRI), Ministry of Public Works and Water Research Center. which is located 40 Km North of Cairo in Mit-Kenana village/ Kalubia Govemorate. The actual pilot area is about 830 feddans and the subsurface drainage system was installed since 5 years ago. The subsurface drainage system consists of single laterals that give it's discharge directly to the main open drain and composed laterals that give it's discharge to the collector and then to the main open drain