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K-Line Irrigation System Guide

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K-Line Irrigation System Guide

Read the design brief, then complete the questions. Use the information provided; answers should explain your reasoning where asked.

Design brief: watering a sloping paddock

Ngaio manages a rectangular 180 m × 120 m paddock in New Zealand. The paddock has a gentle slope, a farm race along its southern edge, and a drain near the north-west corner. She is considering a portable K-Line-style irrigation system: flexible water pipe fitted with sprinkler pods that can be moved between positions. The pods spray water and can help the line slide over the ground during towing. Actual flow rates, spacing limits and safe towing methods depend on the equipment manual and site conditions. Ngaio’s goal is to water the grass evenly while protecting the drain and keeping people and equipment safe.

Understand the system

Use the brief to answer Questions 1–4.

1.Which statement best describes the purpose of a portable K-Line-style system in this paddock?

To deliver water through an above-ground sprinkler line that can be repositioned
To pump water from deep underground without pipes
To permanently drain water from the paddock

2.Match each component with its main function. Write the letter of the function beside each component.

Sprinkler pod
Flexible pipe
Connection or tow fitting
End valve or cap

C. Sprays water over part of the paddock
A. Carries water between pods
B. Controls or closes water flow at the line end
D. Joins equipment or provides a suitable towing connection, as specified by the manufacturer

3.A worker says, “Because the pods act like skids, I can tow the line at any speed over any obstacle.” Is this good advice? Explain one reason.

4.Before planning a watering layout, name two pieces of information Ngaio should check in the system manual or obtain from the supplier.

Plan and improve

Use evidence from the design brief. For calculations, state any assumptions clearly; real layouts need site checks and manufacturer specifications.

5.Ngaio is making a preliminary sketch using a 15 m spacing as a planning assumption. How many equal 15 m intervals fit along a 180 m paddock edge? Show the calculation. (This is not a specification for actual pod spacing.)

6.The drain is near the north-west corner. Suggest one layout decision that could reduce the chance of irrigation runoff entering it, and explain why it may help.

7.Put these preparation actions into a sensible order by numbering them 1–4: inspect the route for hazards; shut off water and follow the manual’s pressure-release procedure; check pipe, pods and connections; tow only with approved equipment and at the instructed speed.

8.Ngaio notices one section of grass is much drier than the rest after watering. Give two possible causes to investigate and one practical check for each.

9.Propose one improvement to Ngaio’s plan that could make the system more efficient or easier to operate. State what problem it addresses and how she could test whether the change worked.