Comparative Study of Submersible Pump Performance in Rice Crop Irrigation in Padas District, Ngawi
Intan Diyah Kusumawati, Dewi Maya Maharani*, Musthofa Lutfi, Gunomo Djoyowasito

Department of Biosystem Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Brawijaya University, JL. Veteran, Malang, ZIP 65145, Indonesia
*Email: maya_maharani[at]ub.ac.id

Abstract

Submersible water pumps are critical to sustaining rice irrigation systems, particularly in Padas District, Ngawi. However, irregular usage patterns and performance levels below technical specifications remain persistent operational challenges. This study evaluates performance variations among submersible pumps deployed across several rice fields in the district, identifies the key influencing factors, and examines the relationship between pump location, operating duration, and water discharge rates. The ultimate goal is to establish evidence-based recommendations for optimizing pump operation in accordance with crop water requirements.
The results reveal substantial performance disparities among the four submersible pumps assessed. The pump located in Padas Village recorded the highest volumetric efficiency at 73.02, whereas the unit in Kedungprahu Village registered the lowest efficiency at 32.26, indicating significant scope for operational enhancement. Variability in pump performance was influenced by geographic location, operating duration, static water level, climatic conditions, operational procedures, irrigation management, and site-specific environmental characteristics. These factors collectively contributed to fluctuations in discharge rates, increased energy consumption, elevated operational costs, and decreased overall efficiency. Regression analysis indicated that pump location and operating duration had a statistically significant effect on water discharge, with a coefficient of determination of 0.999. The predictive model further showed that discharge rates deviated by approximately 3.575 liters per minute from the mean value observed during the study period.

Keywords: Irrigation performance- Submersible pump- Water requirements

Topic: Agricultural and bioprocess engineering