Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
3.4.1 Hydraulics of Furrow Irrigation System
Furrow irrigation involves the application of irrigation water at the top end of a field
into furrows (Fig. 3.4 ) . The water then flows along these furrows to the bottom of the
field, infiltrating into the soil along the length of the furrow (Fig. 3.5 ) . The length
of time the soil is exposed to this water is known as the infiltration opportunity
time. Infiltration occurs laterally and vertically through the wetted perimeter of the
furrow (Fig. 3.6 ) . Wetting patterns in furrows may vary considerably depending on
soil type. In an ideal situation, adjacent wetting patterns overlap each other, and
there is an upward movement of water (capillary rise) that wets the entire ridge. To
achieve the ultimate in furrow irrigation performance, the infiltration opportunity
time should equal the amount of time necessary to apply the required depth of water
(to fulfill the moisture deficit).
Fig. 3.4 Schematic view of
furrow
Furrow
Ridge/
Crop bed
Fig. 3.5 Schematic of
infiltration advance
throughout the furrow length
Fig. 3.6 Schematic of
infiltration into the
cross-section of the furrow
 
 
 
 
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