1. What is Water Application Efficiency?

Water Application Efficiency is a measurement of how effective the irrigation system is in storing water in the crop root zone. It accounts for the water losses which occur in conveyance from the point of diversion into the canal system to the field.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Water Application Efficiency formula:

Where:

• \( \eta_a \) — Water Application Efficiency (%)
• \( w_s \) — Water stored in root zone (units)
• \( w_f \) — Quantity of water delivered to the field (units)

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of delivered water that is effectively stored in the root zone for crop use.

3. Importance of Water Application Efficiency

Details: Accurate water application efficiency measurement is crucial for optimizing irrigation systems, conserving water resources, and improving crop yield while minimizing water waste.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter water stored in root zone and quantity of water delivered in consistent units. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered good water application efficiency?
A: Typically, efficiency above 60-70% is considered good, but optimal values depend on the irrigation method and local conditions.

Q2: What factors affect water application efficiency?
A: Irrigation method, soil type, slope, climate conditions, and system maintenance all influence efficiency.

Q3: How can water application efficiency be improved?
A: Regular system maintenance, proper scheduling, using efficient irrigation methods, and soil moisture monitoring can improve efficiency.

Q4: What are common causes of low efficiency?
A: Runoff, deep percolation, evaporation, wind drift, and system leaks are common causes of low efficiency.

Q5: Should efficiency be measured for each irrigation event?
A: Regular monitoring is recommended, but frequency depends on system type, crops, and seasonal variations.