Improved Approach to Irrigation Scheduling Programs

Abstract

Several available irrigation scheduling computer programs use the water balance method. The acceptance of these irrigation scheduling programs among farmers has been slow. A possible reason for the slow acceptance of these programs is that they are research oriented and do not look at the scheduling problem from the farmer's point of view. An improved approach to writing irrigation scheduling programs using the water balance method is suggested. It is based on defining the irrigation scheduling problem from the farmer's viewpont and adapts the model interface to his concepts and needs. The program adds to the traditional approach of “management depletion,” scheduling by interval, scheduling by irrigation amount (irrigation depth, duration and volume), and scheduling by crop indicators.