Chapter 21. Evaluating Performance

Evaluating irrigation system performance requires more than simply monitoring the hydraulic operation of a given system. It requires understanding where irrigation fits in the farm management, water requirements of a crop, soil hydraulic characteristics, field conditions, and economics of the operation. In this chapter we discuss the background and need for a comprehensive investigation of the system operation in the context of the overall farm management. This requires an investigation of the management variables that affect the operation, i.e., water supply constraints, agronomic constraints, and labor constraints. Measures of performance that characterize the system management and operation are discussed. The unique characteristics of each irrigation system type are discussed to highlight the differences in approach to evaluation. Finally, suggestions are provided to cover the performance evaluation, data interpretation, report preparation, and recommendations.