Water Infiltration Characteristics under a Center Pivot Self Propelled Irrigation Sprinkler System

Authors

John A. Chapman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

12-1972

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Thesis (M.S.)—University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 1972. Department of Agricultural Engineering.

Comments

Copyright 1972, the author. Used by permission.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to review field conditions and literature, and provide a technique for determining the quantity of water one can logically expect the soil to take in with a minimum amount of run off when irrigating with a center pivot irrigation system.

The following conclusions may be offered of this investigation of the soil intake of water under a center pivot self propelled irrigation system:

1. A mathematical relationship exists between the intake of water by a soil under center pivot irrigation systems, and the shrink of the soil, the rate of upward movement of a wetting front in a column of soil, and of the percentages of sand, silt, and clay in the soil.

2. The combined results of several simple tests gave a better description of the soil intake under center pivot irrigation systems than the results of any single test.

3. An empirical formula, based on limited experimental data, was derived which adequately predicted the soil water intake under center pivot irrigation for a loam soil.

4. A change in sprinkler application technique affected the soil intake of water under a center pivot irrigation system. It modified the mathematical relationship which existed between the tests performed and the water intake of the soil.

5. Coarse textured soils have a higher water intake than do fine textured soils under center pivot irrigation systems.

Advisor: Donald M. Edwards