Skip to main content
Log in

Yield related interpretations of irrigation uniformity and efficiency measures

  • Published:
Irrigation Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

A number of irrigation performance parameters have been used to quantify irrigation uniformity and efficiency. These parameters are usually regarded as performance indices only, without a physically significant interpretation. Common irrigation uniformity and efficiency measures can be related to expected yields from non-uniform irrigation of certain hypothetical crops. Calculation of these measures is equivalent to, or closely related to, calculation of expected yields with non-uniform irrigation for the water-yield functions of Fig. 1. This relationship between performance measures and expected yield lends physical significance to irrigation uniformity measures, and suggests useful generalizations of traditional uniformity and efficiency measures that are directly related to crop yield.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bralts VF, Wu I, Gitlin HM (1981 a) Manufacturing variation in drip irrigation uniformity. Trans ASAE 24:113–119

    Google Scholar 

  • Bralts VF, Wu I, Gitlin HM (1981 b) Drip irrigation uniformity considering emitter plugging. Trans ASAE 24:1234–1240

    Google Scholar 

  • Christiansen JE (1942) Irrigation by sprinkling. California Ag Expt Sta Bulletin 670, University of California, Berkeley, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Cogels OG (1983) An irrigation system uniformity function relating the effective uniformity of water application to the scale of influence of the plant root zones. Irrig Sci 4:289–299

    Google Scholar 

  • Dabbous BJ (1962) A study of sprinkler uniformity evaluation methods. MS Thesis, Ag & Irrig Eng Dept, Utah State University, Logan, UT

    Google Scholar 

  • Doorenbos J, Kassam AH (1979) Yield response to water. FAO Irrig & Drain Paper No. 33. FAO, Rome, Italy, 193 p

    Google Scholar 

  • Grimes DW, Dickens WL, Yamada H, Miller RJ (1973) A model for estimating desired levels of nitrogen concentration in cotton petioles. Agron J 65:37–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart WE (1961) Overhead irrigation pattern parameters. Agric Eng 42:354–355

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart WE (1972) Subsurface distribution of nonuniformly applied surface waters. Trans ASAE 15:656–661, 666

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart WE, Peri G, Skogerboe GV (1979) Irrigation performance — an evaluation. J Irrig Drain Div ASCE 105 (IR3):275–288

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart WE, Reynolds WN (1965) Analytical design of sprinkler systems. Trans ASAE 8:83–85, 89

    Google Scholar 

  • Howell DT (1964) Sprinkler nonuniformity characteristics and yield. J Irrig Drain Div ASCE 90 (IR3):55–67

    Google Scholar 

  • Keller J, Karmeli D (1975) Trickle irrigation design. Rain Bird, Glendora, CA

    Google Scholar 

  • Kruse EG (1978) Describing irrigation efficiency and uniformity. J Irrig Drain Div ASCE 104 (IRI):35–41

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Larsen R (1978) Equation for bigger profits. Irrigation Age, July/August 1978:24–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Merriam JL, Keller J (1978) Farm irrigation system evaluation: a guide for management. Agricultural & Irrigation Engineering Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT

    Google Scholar 

  • Norum EM (1961) A method of evaluating the adequacy and efficiency of overhead irrigation systems. Paper No 61-206, ASAE, St Joseph, MI

  • Seginer I (1978) A note on the economic significance of uniform water application. Irrig Sci 1:19–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Seginer I (1979) Irrigation uniformity related to horizontal extent of root zone. Irrig Sci 1:89–96

    Google Scholar 

  • Shalhevet J, Mantell A, Bielorai H, Shimshi D (1981) Irrigation of field and orchard crops under semi-arid conditions (2nd Rev Edn). International Irrigation Information Center, Bet Dagan, Israel

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinai G, Zaslavsky D (1977) Factors affecting water distribution after uniform irrigation. Paper No 77-2573, ASAE, St Joseph, MI

    Google Scholar 

  • Solomon KH (1983) Irrigation uniformity and yield theory. PhD Dissertation, Agricultural & Irrigation Engineering Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT

    Google Scholar 

  • Stern J, Bresler E (1983) Nonuniform sprinkler irrigation and crop yield. Irrig Sci 4:17–29

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Su M (1979) Comparative evaluation of irrigation uniformity indices. MS Thesis, Agricultural & Irrigation Engineering Department, Utah State University, Logan, UT

    Google Scholar 

  • Vaux FU, Pruitt WO (1983) Crop water production functions. In: Hillel D (ed) Advances in Irrigation, Vol 2, Academic Press Inc., New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilcox JC, Swailes GE (1947) Analysis of surface irrigation application efficiency. Sci Agric 27:565–583

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

Contribution from the U.S. Salinity Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Riverside, CA 92501

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Solomon, K.H. Yield related interpretations of irrigation uniformity and efficiency measures. Irrig Sci 5, 161–172 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00264605

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00264605

Keywords

Navigation