Diseño y evaluación estructural de un equipo de lisimetría de pesada transportable

Abstract

This thesis addresses the design and development of a compact and portable weighing lysimeter system, intended for agricultural applications, particularly in horticultural crops. The issue of water scarcity and the importance of optimising its use in the Region of Murcia have prompted the search for a precise tool to quantify crop evapotranspiration. In contrast to traditional lysimeter systems, which are often large and require costly civil works, the prototype presented in this research aims to offer a more accessible and versatile solution. The objective is to optimise a design that allows for straightforward installation and transportation of the equipment, while maintaining the accuracy of evapotranspiration quantification. An iterative process was employed to design and construct a series of prototypes, each of which exhibited incremental enhancements in functionality and ease of use. A comprehensive examination of the lysimeter's primary components was conducted, encompassing the soil containment structure, the crop tank, the base, and the drainage system. The evolution of the design of the prototypes is detailed throughout the thesis, from the initial models, which were limited in terms of transportability, to the final prototype, which has been optimised for field use. Furthermore, the findings of the structural analyses conducted on the various components of the lysimeter are presented, along with the experimental assessments carried out to ascertain the functionality of the prototype under real crop conditions. The results obtained substantiate the viability and efficacy of the proposed design, offering a competitive alternative to traditional lysimeter systems. In conclusion, this research contributes to the development of more efficient and accessible tools for the study of evapotranspiration in agriculture, which will facilitate more effective water resource management and optimisation of irrigation systems.