Simulation Model for Level Furrows. II: Description, Validation, and Application

In a companion paper, experimental evidence was elaborated to confirm that in particular circumstances the performance of level-furrow irrigation can exceed that of level-basin irrigation. The application of a single furrow simulation model to an irrigation event in a level-furrow field resulted in large estimation errors. To overcome them, the development and validation of a numerical model of level-furrow irrigation is reported in this work. The model is based on the interconnection of a number of one-dimensional channels. The individual channels are connected using confluence or bifurcation points. Furrow infiltration is modelled through a Kostiakov infiltration equation including the furrow discharge as an independent variable. The proposed model is validated using the experimental level furrow evaluation presented in the companion paper. Finally, the model is applied to explore the conditions in which level furrow irrigation can outperform level basin irrigation. The proposed model stands as a valuable tool in the design and management of level furrow irrigation systems.