Field Evaluation of an Advance Rate Feedback Irrigation System

An experimental advance rate feedback system is described for furrow irrigation based upon a simple volume balance model in which surface storage during the irrigation event is neglected. An infrared or radio telemetry system transfers advance data to a microcomputer, which controls the irrigation event. Five field evaluations of the experimental feedback irrigation system were performed during the summer of 1986 with measured application efficiencies exceeding 90 percent and distribution efficiencies exceeding 85 percent. This is an improvement over conventional furrow systems in Texas with application efficiencies of 60 to 65 percent and distribution efficiencies of 80 to 90 percent.