MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR GRAVITY SPRINKLE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR GRAVITY SPRINKLE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
No Thumbnail Available
Date
1988
Authors
Ramalan, Aliyu Abubakar
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Management Strategies for
Gravity Sprinkle Irrigation Systems
by
Aliyu Abubakar Ramalan, Doctor of Philosophy
Utah State University, 1988
Major Professor: Dr. Robert W. Hill
Department: Agricultural and Irrigation Engineering
The study reported herein examined various management strategies
which can be implemented for equitable allocation of water among users
of a gravity sprinkle irrigation system. A computer model was developed
and employed to effect allocations accordingly. Sequencing users to a
schedule of when to draw water from the system was included to maintain
mass balance. Historical streamflow records and other climatic data for
three years, 1979, 1986, and 1983, representing normal, dry, and wet
years, respectively, were used.
The equity aspects of water distribution were addressed, taking into
account the shares of stock held in the irrigation company by each user.
Allocations were proportionately determined for the individuals in
relation to the numeric strength of the users' shares when demand was
constrained by available streamflow. Diversions at turnouts in times of
water shortage were strictly according to water rights. The developed
water management strategies were applied to a real-life irrigation
project, the Richmond Irrigation Company, Richmond, Utah.
The data used were collected from a study area covering more than
six hundred acres and having twenty-three users. A set of criteria was
used to compare the strategies. The criteria, described as strategy
attributes, provided quantitative assessment of the strategies. The
quantitative assessments were based on cost-benefit analysis, waiting
time, and the resource-utilization ratio. The waiting time was
estimated, but the assessment of its social repercussions beyond
reducing available soil moisture and its resulting effect on crop yield
were deemed outside the scope of the study.
Using pertinent crop, soil, water right, and historical data on
streamflow and climate, the model determined the number of users
irrigating, and the supply and demand flow hydrographs daily. At the end
of the season, expected actual crop yields for the user/field were
estimated, in addition to the other strategy attributes.
Allowing users unlimited access to water, a pure on-demand strategy,
was most beneficial in terms of gross benefit to project; costs of
augmentation were not included. There were no significant differences
among the performances of all modified rotation strategies, and they
were excelled by the non-rotation strategies except One-time delivery.
One-time delivery recorded a waiting time or stress days of 101 days in
the dry year, the highest among all strategies. The resource-utilization
ratio ranged from 0.32 to 1.84, with higher ratios indicating a need for
supply augmentation.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree
of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
in Agricultural and Irrigation Engineering
Keywords
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES,, GRAVITY SPRINKLE,, IRRIGATION SYSTEMS