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Rotorainers Irrigation Overview

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Rotorainers Irrigation Overview

A farm in Aotearoa New Zealand is reviewing how it irrigates a rectangular paddock. Use the information below to explain how a Rotorainer works, assess its suitability and propose a practical improvement. Give reasons for your decisions.

How the system works

A Rotorainer is a travelling irrigation machine used to water pasture or crops. It sprays water as it moves along a paddock. In a typical setup, water reaches the machine through a flexible hose, while a wire rope and powered drive help pull it along a planned route. The machine must be set up and monitored, and the hose and rope need to be managed safely. Coverage depends on the route, spray width, water pressure and conditions such as wind. Compared with a centre-pivot system, a Rotorainer can suit some paddock shapes and farm layouts, but it may require more setup and attention from workers. The best choice depends on the farm’s land, water supply, energy costs, labour and maintenance needs.

1.A Rotorainer is being considered for pasture irrigation. Which description best states its main function?

To apply water across pasture as the machine travels
To drain excess water from a paddock
To plant seed in straight rows
To cut pasture for harvesting

2.Name the water-supply component and the components that help move a typical Rotorainer.

3.A Rotorainer sprays water while travelling along a planned route. Explain one reason the route and spray width matter when trying to irrigate a whole paddock evenly.

4.A paddock is 100 m long. The Rotorainer sprays a strip 30 m wide. What area does one pass cover, assuming the full strip is watered evenly? Show your calculation.

5.The paddock is 100 m long and 90 m wide. Using a 30 m spray width, how many parallel passes are needed to cover the full width, assuming no overlap or gaps?

6.Which is a realistic limitation to consider when comparing a Rotorainer with a centre-pivot system?

A Rotorainer may need more setup and worker attention
A Rotorainer cannot spray water
A centre pivot always waters every paddock shape
A Rotorainer uses no energy or maintenance

7.During operation, a worker notices that the hose is twisted and the wire rope crosses a vehicle track. Identify two hazards and describe one safe action for each.

8.Before starting an irrigation run, name two checks that would help keep the Rotorainer working safely and reliably.

9.The paddock is windy and the spray is drifting beyond the crop. Identify one likely effect and suggest one adjustment or action to reduce the problem.

10.A farm is deciding between a Rotorainer and a centre pivot. Give one factor to investigate before choosing and explain how it could affect the decision.

11. In the paddock plan, draw a rectangular paddock and show a Rotorainer making parallel passes. Label the hose, wire rope and direction of travel. Add one safety note showing how people or vehicles should be kept clear.