Algebraic Computation of Flow in Furrow Irrigation

Abstract

A complete algebraic model simulating furrow irrigation is presented. It can be used to analyze and predict the performance of sloping openended furrow irrigation systems, based upon the solution of a mass conservation equation. The model input variables are: length, slope, Manning roughness, infiltration parameters, furrow shape, inflow rate, and cutoff time. All the information necessary to estimate the distribution of water and water‐application efficiency for a particular irrigation event are obtained. Model performance is evaluated by comparison with field data and a more complex hydrodynamic model. Results show that the model gives reasonable results and, in most cases, more accurate results than more complicated models.