Kinematic‐Wave Furrow Irrigation Model

Abstract

A kinematic‐wave model of furrow irrigation under both continuous and surged flow management was developed and verified. Numerical solution of the differential continuity equation is accomplished with a Eulerian first‐order integration coupled with the assumption that flow rate and flow area are uniquely related by the Manning uniform flow equation. Field data from three Colorado sites, a Utah site, and an Idaho site were used to verify the model's continuous flow simulation of advance and recession. The sites represented a wide range of soil types, field slopes and lengths, and duration of the irrigation event. Companion data from the Utah and Idaho sites were used to verify the model's analysis of surge flow conditions.