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 using gravity, drawing water from a large reservoir located above the fields and distributing it over hundreds of hectares without pumps. This posed a significant engineering challenge: how to reduce, stabilize, and regulate pressure to precisely meet the needs of the drip irrigation system—while ensuring uniform pressure along long rows and across sloped terrain. Furthermore, the remote location lacked electrical infrastructure, making the operation of fertigation and control systems more complicated.

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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