Analysis and optimization of conventional furrow irrigation systems using the WinSRFR simulation model

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Water Management
• Irrigation Systems

Background:

• Surface irrigation, particularly furrow irrigation, is globally prevalent due to energy efficiency and operational simplicity.
• However, suboptimal design and management often lead to poor performance, especially in water-limited environments.
• Optimizing conventional furrow irrigation is crucial for sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the performance of conventional furrow irrigation systems in water-constrained areas.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the WinSRFR simulation model for performance analysis and optimization.
• To provide farmers with a methodology for assessing and improving field-level irrigation practices.

Main Methods:

• Field data collection from conventional furrow irrigation systems.
• Performance evaluation using the WinSRFR simulation model.
• Sensitivity analysis of WinSRFR parameters, identifying inflow rate, cut-off time, and furrow spacing as most critical.

Main Results:

• The WinSRFR model predicted an 84% application efficiency for the conventional furrow design under water shortage.
• Flow rates were maintained near the minimum allowable (0.0025 m³/s), minimizing runoff and percolation losses to approximately 16%.
• A lower quarter adequacy of 0.74 indicated under-irrigation due to severe water constraints, highlighting the need for management adjustments.

Conclusions:

• The WinSRFR simulation model is effective for designing, forecasting, and optimizing conventional furrow irrigation systems.
• Applying an engineering approach to actual crop fields allows for accurate prediction of crop moisture availability.
• The proposed methodology empowers farmers to gain insights into field performance and implement necessary measures for crop health.