Evaluation of basin irrigation events with WinSRFR model for resource conservation

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the irrigation events with WinSRFR to understand the different hydraulic parameters on irrigation performance. Three irrigation events in the basin irrigation system were analyzed with the event analysis world of the WinSRFR 5.1.1 model. WinSRFR is a one dimensional irrigation hydraulic analysis tool to analyze, the optimal physical and operational design of surface irrigation systems to enhance irrigation application efficiency. Kostiakov's infiltration parameters and Manning's surface roughness coefficient were estimated with WinSRFR as it is very difficult to observe in the field. The irrigation performance indicators such as irrigation application efficiency, distribution uniformity, and deep percolation losses were quantified with WinSRFR in each irrigation event. The results suggest that Kostiakov's infiltration parameters slope varied from 0.13 to 0.59 and the intercept varied from 20.84 to 66.84 mm hr-1. The Manning's surface roughness coefficient varied from 0.045 to 0.071. The maximum deep percolation losses were observed in the third irrigation (at milking stage) followed by the second (at flowering stage) and first irrigation events (at booting stage) in wheat crop. The surface roughness infiltration parameters and inflow rate play a significant role in the performance of an irrigation event. It can be concluded that the surface irrigation model WinSRFR successfully evaluated the performance of the irrigation system which helps to identify the design or operational problem in the system. This information helps to optimize the design and operation condition of the irrigation system to achieve maximum irrigation application efficiency and conserve water resources.