Application of kinematic wave equations to border irrigation design

Abstract

Accuracy of the kinematic wave ( KW) approximation was tested on 31 experimental irrigation borders by computing the KW number and its modified version. In a majority of cases, this approximation was found to be sufficiently accurate. A KW model, reported previously, was used to derive dimensionless advance and recession curves for application to border irrigation design. These curves can be developed for a wide range of design variables and parameters for ready practical use. A step by step design procedure, based on this model is presented. Its validity was tested by comparing observed irrigation efficiencies with those computed by the model. A close agreement between computed and observed efficiencies suggests that the KW model is reasonably accurate. Its simplicity and physical basis may justify its large-scale field application.