Summary
A kinematic wave mathematical model which simulates the hydraulics of continuous flow furrow irrigation was linked with a crop yield model and used in combination with an economic model to analyze the effects of inflow rate, water infiltration characteristics and furrow length on uniformity of infiltrated water, runoff, gross profits and optimal number of 12 hour irrigations for corn (Zea mays) assuming other management practices to be constant. Higher uniformity of infiltrated water but more runoff and, in some cases, more deep percolation resulted from increased flow rates. Increases in uniformity of infiltrated water leads to greater profits, which are however offset by the associated increases in runoff and deep percolation. The study shows economically optimal water management for furrow irrigation can be obtained with proper balance between changes in the input variables and runoff and to some extent deep percolation.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Elliott RL, Walker WR, Skogerboe GV (1982) Zero-inertia modelling of furrow irrigation advance. J Irrig Drain Eng ASCE 108 (IR3):179
Fangmeier DD, Ramsey MK (1978) Intake characteristics of irrigation furrows. Trans Am Soc Agric Eng 1.2 (4):696
Fangmeier DD, Strelkoff T (1979) Mathematical models and border irrigation design. Trans Am Soc Agric Eng 22 (1):93
Hart WE, Norum OI, Peri G (1980) Optimal seasonal irrigation application analysis. J Irrig Drain Eng ASCE 106 (IR3):221
Letey J, Vaux Jr HJ, Feinerman E (1984) Optimum crop water application as affected by uniformity of water infiltration. Agron J 76:435
Seginer I (1983) Irrigation uniformity effect on land and water allocation. Trans Am Soc Agric Eng 26 (1):116
Walker WR, Humphrey AS (1983) Kinematic-wave furrow irrigation model. J Irrig Drain Eng ASCE 109 (4):377
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Contribution of the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside 92521. This study was supported by California State Water Resources Control Board Contract # 2-043-300-0
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Yitayew, M., Letey, J., Vaux, H.J. et al. Factors affecting uniformity and optimal water management with furrow irrigation. Irrig Sci 6, 201–210 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00572668
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00572668