Comparison of Surge and Continuous Flow Irrigation in California

by David A. Goldhamer, Univ of California Cooperative, Extension, Davis, CA, USA,
Mohammad H. Alemi, Univ of California Cooperative, Extension, Davis, CA, USA,
Rebecca C. Phene, Univ of California Cooperative, Extension, Davis, CA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Steel Structures

Abstract:

With the closure of the Kesterson National Wildlife Refuge to drainwater disposal and the pending limits on tailwater flows to the San Joaquin River, decreasing deep percolation is of paramount importance to many growers on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. Surge and continuous flow irrigation were evaluated in side-by-side comparisons on three soil types. Surge accelerated stream advance rates, with an average full advance ratio of surge to continuous of 0. 61 for the cases studied. Using a three phase infiltration regime and measured intake opportunity times, the distributions of infiltrated water were more uniform under surge and drainage volumes were reduced. Time-averaged runoff rates were also reduced.

Subject Headings: Infiltration | Flow measurement | Comparative studies | Rivers and streams | Irrigation | Drainage | Water intakes | California | United States

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