1. What is Consumptive Use?

Consumptive use is the ratio of consumptive water use by the crop of irrigated farm and the irrigation water stored in the root zone of the soil on the farm. It represents the actual water consumed by plants through transpiration and evaporation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Consumptive Use formula:

Where:

• \( Cu \) — Consumptive Use (m)
• \( Di \) — Depth of Water Applied from Unit Area (m)
• \( Dd \) — Depth of Water Drained out Per Unit Area (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the actual water consumed by subtracting the water drained out from the total water applied to the unit area.

3. Importance of Consumptive Use Calculation

Details: Accurate consumptive use calculation is crucial for efficient irrigation planning, water resource management, and optimizing crop water requirements while minimizing water wastage.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter depth of water applied and depth of water drained out in meters. Both values must be non-negative numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the unit of measurement for consumptive use?
A: Consumptive use is typically measured in meters (m), representing the depth of water consumed per unit area.

Q2: How does consumptive use differ from irrigation requirement?
A: Consumptive use represents actual water consumed by plants, while irrigation requirement includes additional water needed to account for losses and maintain soil moisture.

Q3: What factors affect consumptive use?
A: Crop type, growth stage, climate conditions, soil type, and irrigation methods all influence consumptive use rates.

Q4: Can consumptive use be negative?
A: No, consumptive use cannot be negative as it represents water consumption. If Dd > Di, it may indicate measurement errors or unusual drainage conditions.

Q5: How is this measurement used in agriculture?
A: Farmers use consumptive use data to optimize irrigation schedules, improve water efficiency, and maximize crop yields while conserving water resources.