Surge Irrigation Optimization Model
ABSTRACT Akinematic wave surge irrigation model is used to calculate application efficieny, which is a nonlinear function of the management parameters (inflow rate, on-time, and the number of surges) for a given set of field conditions. The kinematic wave model is also used to simulate continuous irrigation. The optimum combination of management parameters leading to maximum application efficiency is found for various irrigation strategies in the advance and postadvance phases by a sequential search optimization procedure. Comparison is made between optimized surge and continuous irrigation methods. Maximized application efficiency was higher for surge compared with continuous irrigation. Among all strategies considered surge during the advance phase followed by continuous irrigation with cutback during postadvance gave the highest application efficiency.