Derivation of Furrow Geometry Using Entropy Theory

Abstract

Furrow irrigation is one of the commonly used surface irrigation methods. Design of furrow irrigation requires determination of furrow geometry. The usual practice in irrigation design is to specify furrow geometry empirically, even though hydraulic principles can be applied to derive furrow geometry. This study derives irrigation furrow geometric parameters using entropy theory and evaluates these parameters with observations from nine field sites each with five irrigation events in a field laboratory. Comparison of computed geometric parameters and observed values shows a good agreement and points to the potential that entropy theory might have in irrigation modeling. Because entropy is a measure of uncertainty, the use of entropy theory may allow description of the uncertainty associated with furrow geometry and in turn with furrow irrigation efficiency.