Track record
Turnkey irrigation projects Gravitational large-scale irrigation system in Azerbaijan
A 1,500-hectare nut orchard in Azerbaijan is irrigated by a fully gravitational drip system using Metzer’s Vardit drippers. Designed and executed in phases, the off-grid project includes survey, design, supply, and automation—delivering precise irrigation through solar-powered fertigation and smart pressure regulation despite challenging terrain and lack of electricity.
Location:
Azerbaijan
Project Size:
1500 ha
Crop:
Hazelnuts
Irrigation Type:
Drip Irrigation
Challenge
The entire irrigation system was designed to operate gravitationally, drawing water from a large reservoir positioned above the fields and distributing it across hundreds of hectares without the use of pumps. This presented a major engineering challenge: how to reduce, stabilize, and regulate pressure to precisely match the requirements of the drip irrigation system—while maintaining uniform pressure along long rows and across sloped terrain. Additionally, the remote area lacked electricity infrastructure, complicating the operation of fertigation and control systems.
Resolution
Metzer designed a sophisticated hydraulic system to harness gravitational flow, incorporating pressure-reducing valves, regulators, and pressure release elements to ensure consistent and accurate pressure at the driplines. Submains distribute water from the reservoir via large concrete outlets to multiple fields. Automation is achieved through solar-powered fertigation and control systems, enabling reliable, off-grid operation across all blocks.
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Irrigation products used in this project
Terrain-adapted Irrigation in an Apple orchard
A 52-hectare apple orchard in Ukraine was equipped with a complete drip irrigation system, from design to commissioning, using pressure-compensated Vardit driplines. The project ensures precise water delivery to every tree, optimizing root-zone moisture while minimizing water, fertilizer, and labor costs.
Location
Ukraine
Project Size
52 ha
Crop
Apples
Irrigation Type
Drip Irrigation