Improving Irrigation Performance of Raised Bed Furrow Using WinSRFR Model

Abstract

AbstractAgricultural productivity is intricately tied to efficient water management strategies, with raised bed furrow systems being a prevalent method for irrigation. However, the optimization of these systems remains a critical area of exploration. The border irrigation method is commonly employed in developing countries for irrigation and leads to significant water loss, reduced irrigation efficiency, and increased irrigation durations. In contrast, raised bed furrow irrigation represents an improved surface irrigation technique that optimizes water usage in irrigated systems. This study seeks to assess the irrigation performance of raised bed furrows, encompassing deep percolation loss, distribution uniformity, adequacy, and application efficiency. The evaluation will be conducted for both existing conditions and an optimized scenario achieved through the application of the WinSRFR model. Field data facilitated the numerical simulation and the model was calibrated to reflect the existing irrigation system dynamics accurately. The performance of the model was assessed by utilizing the statistical indicator of root mean square error (RMSE) and revealed good agreement between advance and recession time. Results revealed that existing raised bed furrow irrigation exhibited up to 40% deep percolation loss, 80% distribution uniformity, and 60% application efficiency. Increasing furrow length had adverse effects; decreased application efficiency and distribution uniformity; and increased deep percolation losses. In contrast, reducing the furrow length and cutoff time by up to 33% and 40%, respectively, and increasing the width and inflow rate by up to 55% and 100%, respectively, enhanced the application efficiency and distribution uniformity, and minimized deep percolation loss. Overall, improved raised bed furrow irrigation provides a more efficient option and is encouraged to adopt for irrigation.