Optimization of border irrigation variables based on a correction factor for irrigation quota.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Water Management
• Soil Science

Background:

• Surface irrigation requires precise control of inflow rate (q) and cutoff time (tco) for optimal performance.
• Irrigation inefficiencies lead to both water loss and reduced crop yields, impacting economic viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize surface irrigation variables (q and cutoff time) by developing a comprehensive total loss model.
• To introduce and validate a correction factor for irrigation quota (C_f) to account for varying irrigation requirements.

Main Methods:

• Utilized uniform design theory to generate random combinations of inflow rate (q) and correction factor (C_f).
• Developed a total loss model incorporating irrigation water and crop yield losses for uneven border irrigation.
• Integrated the total loss model with uniform design theory and the WinSRFR model for scenario analysis.

Main Results:

• The correction factor (C_f) demonstrated a clear meaning and positive impact on irrigation performance indicators.
• Optimal irrigation variables were determined for different design irrigation quotas, showing decreased q and increased C_f compared to conventional methods.
• The proposed optimization significantly reduced total losses, improved water use efficiency, and increased crop yields.

Conclusions:

• The developed total loss model and optimization approach are effective for designing border irrigation systems.
• Optimizing irrigation variables based on the loss model leads to substantial reductions in total losses and economic impacts.
• This method ensures favorable irrigation performance, enhances water use efficiency, and maximizes crop yields.