Feedback-controlled surge irrigation: I. Model development

Spatial and temporal variation of infiltration rates make the management of surface irrigation systems a very complex process. Surge irrigation presen ts additional complications due to wetting and drying cycles and their effe ct on infiltration, In this study we developed a model that incorporates fe edback control for management of surge irrigation. The infiltration profile at the completion of the advance phase is represented by a specialized pow er function. A computer simulation using a range of inflow rates was evalua ted to determine the constants in the power function. The model uses an ana lytical solution to calculate the infiltration profile for the post-advance phase. The infiltration rate during the post-advance phase is assumed to r emain constant. The analytical solution to the kinematic wave formulation c an simulate overlapping and nonoverlapping of surge waves which enhances th e evaluation of surge irrigation performance. The model was verified using field data and found adequate for field application with feedback-controlle d surge irrigation.