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The maximum area that can be irrigated formula calculates the largest land area that can be effectively watered given a specific discharge rate from a supply ditch and the soil's infiltration rate. This is crucial for efficient irrigation system design and water resource management.
The calculator uses the irrigation area formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the maximum irrigable area by dividing the available water discharge by the soil's infiltration rate, ensuring water application doesn't exceed the soil's absorption capacity.
Details: Accurate calculation of maximum irrigable area is essential for efficient water management, preventing water wastage, ensuring proper crop hydration, and designing sustainable irrigation systems that match water supply with soil characteristics.
Tips: Enter discharge through the supply ditch in m³/s and rate of infiltration in cm. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What units should be used for input values?
A: Discharge should be in cubic meters per second (m³/s) and infiltration rate in centimeters (cm).
Q2: How does soil type affect the infiltration rate?
A: Sandy soils have higher infiltration rates than clay soils, meaning they can accept water faster and potentially irrigate larger areas with the same discharge.
Q3: Can this formula be used for different irrigation methods?
A: The formula provides a general estimate but may need adjustment for specific irrigation methods like drip, sprinkler, or flood irrigation.
Q4: What factors besides infiltration rate affect maximum irrigable area?
A: Topography, crop water requirements, irrigation efficiency, and evaporation rates also influence the maximum area that can be effectively irrigated.
Q5: How often should infiltration rates be measured?
A: Infiltration rates should be measured periodically as they can change due to soil compaction, organic matter content, and land management practices.