One-Dimensional Surface Flow and Solute Transport Model for Basin Irrigation in Traditional Surface Application of Fertilizer

Abstract

A basis of contrast for advanced basin fertigation method can be provided by simulating the one-dimensional surface flow and solute transport process of basin irrigation in traditional surface application of fertilizer. A nonuniform distribution field of water flow velocity and solute concentration along the basin and its arbitrary cross section were constructed on the basis of vertical linear and logarithmic law in turbulence theory and continuous equation of incompressible hydrodynamics. A one-dimensional surface flow and solute transport model for basin irrigation in traditional surface application of fertilizer was proposed. At the same time, validation of the proposed model was carried out by using the results of typical basin irrigation tests. Results show that the proposed model can efficiently simulate the water flow and solute transport processes of basin irrigation, and exhibits good potential in conservation of water and solute quantity. Thus, the proposed model provides a research numerical tool for evaluating the performance of basin irrigation in traditional surface application of fertilizer, and serves as a basis for comparison of basin irrigation systems under different modes of fertilizer application.