Two‐Dimensional Simulation of Basin Irrigation. II: Applications

Abstract

The development of a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic simulation model of basin irrigation is reported in a companion paper. This article presents four applications of the model. Two hypothetical case studies are used to illustrate the ability of the model to accommodate multiple inflows and irregular field shapes including internal high spots. The model is applied to study the effect of field shape on irrigation performance. The particular case of a rectangular basin irrigated from a corner is considered. Results show that one‐dimensional models can underestimate the time of advance by up to 20%. Finally, the model is applied to explore the effects of spatially varied infiltration on irrigation performance. A series of infiltration observation points is used to estimate the infiltration rate in unmeasured locations. The model is used to simulate a hypothetical case study involving the design of a square level‐basin irrigation field with spatially varied infiltration irrigated from a corner. Results show that irrigation performance changes dramatically with the location of the corner inflow.