Evaluation of sprinkler irrigation systems with respect to nonuniformity of water application

A mathematical model is proposed to provide the means for the evaluation of the sprinkler irrigation systems with respect to non uniformity of water application. By introducing the time element, the processes of water application and soil moisture depletion by the plants were simulated. The model has the advantage of tracing the soil moisture development in the root zone. By employing water production functions, it became possible to make predictions on the yield reduction due to nonuniform and deficient water application, for any given set of climatic and operational conditions. The proposed model, based on the detailed analysis of the performance of rotating sprinklers under field conditions, can be used for irrigation scheduling or for design purposes. Examples are presented to illustrate how the method can be employed to assist with the effective design and operation of the sprinkler systems. Using the model, operational techniques are studied for improving the system performance during the period of drought. Finally, a simplified procedure is proposed to deal with the common design problems.