Simple Model of Border Irrigation

Abstract

This paper describes a numerical model for irrigation of sloping and level borders. The model solves the differential form of the combined equations for the conservation of mass and momentum with the acceleration terms removed. A finite difference scheme is used with the depth gradient term expressed explicitly and averaged over the entire wetted border. The model is stable and inexpensive to run. Model results compare well with measured advance and recession times. Predicted ponding depths during infiltration and total water infiltrated over the border also agree well with observed behavior. The model gives results equivalent to those of other existing zero‐inertia and fully dynamic models but is much simpler to program and requires less computer code.