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 presents additional complications due to wetting and drying cycles and their effect on infiltration, In this study we developed a model that incorporates feedback control for management of surge irrigation. The infiltration profile at the completion of the advance phase is represented by a specialized power function. A computer simulation using a range of inflow rates was evaluated to determine the constants in the power function. The model uses an analytical solution to calculate the infiltration profile for the post-advance phase. The infiltration rate during the post-advance phase is assumed to remain constant. The analytical solution to the kinematic wave formulation can simulate overlapping and nonoverlapping of surge waves which enhances the evaluation of surge irrigation performance. The model was verified using field data and found adequate for field application with feedback-controlled surge irrigation.