Problems of metrological support of measurements in irrigation systems

Metrological activity in agriculture is not only a part of ensuring food security; measurement and control invisibly accompany both the production and the agricultural products processing. For the agro-industrial complex, it is especially important to control the accuracy of measuring water consumption, especially when irrigating crops and controlling soil moisture. The issues of metrological support in land melioration are considered. The analysis of the system of metrological support of the agro-industrial complex of Russia is carried out, a project for organizing a metrological service in land melioration under the Ministry of Agriculture is proposed. To highlight the discussed issue, the calculation of losses from the measurement errors with an annual water flow rate of 1,000,000 m³ is given; it is found that losses during control can be up to 50,000 m³, which in monetary terms are 1,250,000 rubles. It is recommended to pay special attention to the issues of introducing metering and control of water consumption, as well as ensuring the accuracy and uniformity of measurements. It is recommended to carry out annual calibration of flow measuring instruments.