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Module No. 2

Surface Irrigation Methods

Adequate amount of soil water available in the root zone at all times during the growth
period ensures normal plant growth and development. This can be supplied by either rainfall or
irrigation and both. In areas where rainfall is scarce and insufficient, additional water must be
applied. Various methods can be employed to supply irrigation water to plants and each
method has its inherent advantages and disadvantages. These should be taken into account
when choosing the appropriate method best suited to given field conditions and circumstances.
This is our concern in this module.

Irrigation is the purposeful application of water in adequate amount that promotes

normal plant growth and development. Conversely, drainage is the purposeful removal of
excess water from the field, which is detrimental to normal plant growth and development.
Obviously, irrigation is the opposite of drainage. Irrigation is purposeful in the sense that it is
carefully planned based on the concept of application of the ‘right amount’ of water at the
’right time’ through the ‘best method’ appropriate to a given field condition, type of crop, level
and type of technology, required depth of application, previous experience of the irrigator,
required labor inputs, and economy.

In designing irrigation systems, the following design criteria must be considered (United
States Department of Agriculture- Natural Resources Conservation Service, n.d):

 The irrigation system must be able to deliver and apply the amount of water needed to
meet the crop water requirement.

 Application rates must not exceed the maximum allowable infiltration rate for the soil
type. Excess application rates will result in water loss, soil erosion, and possible surface
sealing. As a result, there may be inadequate moisture in the root zone after irrigation,
and the crop could be damaged.

 Flow rates must be known for proper design and management.

 Soil textures, available soil water holding capacity, and crop rooting depth must be
known for planning and designing system application rates, irrigation water
management, and scheduling irrigations so that water applied is beneficially used by the
crop.

 The water supply, capacity, and quality need to be determined and recorded.

 Climatic data - precipitation, wind velocity, temperature, and humidity must be

addressed.

 Topography and field layout must be recorded.

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 Farmer’s preferences in irrigation methods, available operation time, farm labor, cultural
practices, and management skills must be noted for selecting and planning the type
and method of irrigation.

It is emphasized that the foregoing design considerations are not limited to surface irrigation only
but also applicable to sprinkler and drip irrigation systems.

In this module, different surface irrigation techniques are discussed, namely (Figure 1):
(a) flooding or basin method; (b) furrow method; and (c) border strip method. The design
principles and application of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems is beyond the scope of the
course.

Figure 1. Different methods of irrigation

Surface irrigation is the application of water to the surface of the field by gravity flow. The
flow is introduced at one side of the field until the whole field is gradually watered (Brouwer,
Prins, Kay & Heibloem, n.d). The rate of field coverage is dependent primarily on the difference
between the supply channel discharge onto the field and the accumulating infiltration into the
soil reservoir. Secondary factors include field slope, surface roughness, and geometry or shape
of the flow cross-section (Anonymous, n.d).

Application of irrigation water can be done either by flooding the entire field at once
(basin irrigation), or by feeding water into small channels (furrows), or by flooding the strips of the
land surface (borders) until the entire field is gradually covered (Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem,
n.d). About 90 percent of the irrigated areas in the world are by surface irrigation methods
(Pachauri, 2014).

There are advantages of using basin, furrow and border irrigation methods over sprinkler
and drip irrigation systems, as follows (Jamal, 2017):
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 The depth of application required to refill the root zone is easier to apply.
 They can be developed at the farm level with minimal capital investment.
 The essential structural elements are located at the edges of the fields which facilitates
operation and maintenance activities.
 Soil salinity is less of a problem due to leaching effect of over-application of irrigation
water.

Aside from being labor intensive, the other drawback on these methods is that they are
relatively less efficient in applying irrigation water than either sprinkler or drip irrigation systems.
Where availability of surface irrigation water is not a limiting factor, flooding, furrow and border
irrigation methods are generally preferred over the supposedly more efficient pressurized
irrigation systems (Jamal, 2017).

Insofar as application efficiency is concerned, there are reports proving that surface
irrigation methods are comparably as efficient as sprinkler irrigation systems. Depending on the
method or type, application efficiency of surface irrigation ranges from 65 to 90 percent (Keller,
1992 as cited by Abubaker, 2009); while sprinkler system is from 50 to 95 percent (United States
Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1997). As gleaned from
Table 1, basin, furrow and border irrigation methods are more efficient that sprinkler systems such
as periodic move lateral, periodic move gun-type, fixed solid set laterals, and traveling sprinkler
types.

Table 1. Irrigation application efficiencies for various surface methods and sprinkler systems
Method/Type Application
Efficiency (Ea, %)
A. Surface irrigation methods:1/
Basin 70 – 90
Furrow 65 – 85
Border 70 – 85
B. Sprinkler irrigation systems:2/
Periodic move lateral 60 – 75
Periodic move gun-type or boom sprinklers 50 – 60
Fixed laterals (solid set) 60 – 75
Traveling sprinkler (gun-type or boom) 55 – 65
Center pivot – standard 75 – 85
Linear (lateral) move 80 – 87
Low energy precise application (LEPA) – center pivot and linear move 90 – 95
Sources: 1/ Keller (1992) as cited by Abubaker (2009)
2/ United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (1997)
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After thorough and diligent study of this module, you should be able to:

a. Enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of surface irrigation methods;

b. Define and contrast the different methods of surface irrigation;

c. Appreciate their applicability appropriate to given field conditions;

d. Synthesize the design criteria of basin, furrow, and border irrigation methods;

e. Solve problems on basin, furrow and border irrigation systems and come up with their
specifications.
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I. Flooding or Basin Irrigation Method

Basins are flat areas of land surrounded by low bunds or levees. The bunds prevent the
water from flowing to the adjacent fields. Basin irrigation is commonly used for rice grown on flat
lands or in terraces on hillsides (Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem, n.d). It can used also for cotton,
peanut and fodder crops grown in heavy soils (Anonymous, n.d). Trees can also be grown in
basins, where one tree is usually located in the middle of a small basin. In general, the basin
method is suitable for crops that are unaffected by waterlogging for long periods. It is generally
not suited to crops which cannot stand in wet or waterlogged conditions for periods longer than
24 hours. These include tobacco, and root/tuber crops such as potatoes, cassava, and carrots
which require loose, well-drained soils (Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem, n.d).

A. Types of basin irrigation

Basin irrigation is of two types: (1) the closed single basin; and (2) the multiple sequential
basin. In the closed single basin (Figure 2), water is applied to an individual basin and all of that
applied water is allowed to infiltrate. Each basin in the irrigation block is hydraulically
independent. Water advances from the inflow point towards the downstream end of the basin
in a regular pattern, which may be distorted by surface irregularities. Inflow is normally shutoff
before the water reaches the downstream end of the basin (Philippine Agricultural Engineering
Standard 607, 2016).

Source: Khanna & Malano (2006) Source: Atkinson (n.d)

Figure 2. Closed single basin irrigation method

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In multiple sequential basin (Figure 3), each basin is irrigated separately by a supply
channel running along the boundary with a number of adjacent basins. In each basin, the water
level in the supply channel controls the water application. When a basin is irrigated, the water
level in the channel is raised higher than the soil surface elevation and overflows onto the basin.
When the irrigation is completed, the water level in the channel is lowered below the soil surface
elevation of the basin and supply is diverted to the next basin. The excess water from the first
basin drains back to the supply channel. The next basin is irrigated with the supply discharge plus
the drainage water from the upstream basins (Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard 607,
2016).

Sources: Upper image – Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard 607 (2016)

Lower image – Eng (n.d)

Figure 3. Multiple sequential basin irrigation method

B. Design criteria of basin irrigation

A well designed basin irrigation system is easy to manage, and has significant potential
for achieving higher application efficiency and improved salinity control, particularly when the
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field is leveled (Reddy, 2011). In the design of basin irrigation system, the following criteria are
considered (Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard 607, 2016):

1. Topography – The basin shall be nearly if not completely level to prevent tailwater. A
difference of 6 to 9 cm between the highest and lowest elevations may be allowed
provided this is less than one-half of the net application depth.

2. Soil type – Soils of moderate to low intake rate (50 mm/h or less) such as clay and loamy soils
are preferred for basin irrigation. Sandy soils or fine-textured soils that crack or form a hard
crust when dry are not suitable because the height of the basin bund or levee will be
unreasonably high.

3. Application rate – Irrigation water shall be applied at a rate that will advance over the basin
in a fraction of the infiltration time.

4. Irrigation volume – The volume of water applied shall be equal to the average gross irrigation
application.

5. Intake opportunity time – The intake opportunity time at all points in the basin shall be
greater than or equal to the time required for the net irrigation to infiltrate the soil. The
longest intake opportunity time at any point in the basin area shall be sufficiently short to
avoid scalding and excessive percolation losses.

6. Depth of water – The depth of water flow shall be contained by the basin bunds or levees.

7. Design application efficiency – The minimum design application efficiency shall be 70

percent. Thus, the minimum time required to cover the basin shall be 60 percent of the time
required for the net application depth to infiltrate the soil.

8. Basin dikes – Top width of the basin dike shall be greater than or equal to the height of the
dike. The settled height shall be at least equal to either the gross application depth or the
design maximum depth of flow plus a freeboard of 25 percent, whichever is greater.

9. Supply ditches – Supply ditches shall convey the design inflow rate of each basin or multiples
of the design flow rate where more than one basin is irrigated simultaneously. The water
surface in the ditch shall be 15 cm to 30 cm above the ground surface level in the basin
depending on the outlet characteristics. The ditches shall be constructed with a 0.1 percent
grade or less to minimize the number of check structures and labor requirements.

10. Outlet location. One outlet shall be installed for basin widths of up to 60 m and flow rates up
to 0.4 m3/sec. Several outlets at various locations may be installed depending on the rate of
flow required and the width of the basin.

11. Drainage. Surface drainage facilities shall be provided for basins with low or moderate intake
soils and in high rainfall areas.

12. Erosion – The maximum water flow velocity into the basin shall be less than or equal to 1
m/sec to avoid scouring and erosion.
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13. Agricultural practice – For large mechanized farms, the width of the agricultural machinery
or implement to be used in the basin shall be considered in selecting the appropriate width
of the basin.

C. Layout of basin irrigation

The primary objective of basin irrigation is to flood the entire field in a reasonable length
of time so that the desired depth of water can be applied with acceptable degree of uniformity
over the entire basin. According to Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem, the shape and size of basins
are mainly determined by land slope, soil type, flow rate, required depth of application, and
farming practices. The main limitation on the width of a basin is the land slope. If the land slope is
steep, the basin should be narrow, otherwise too much earth movement will be needed to
obtain level basins (n.d).

Table 1 shows the suggested basin size for different soil types and flow rates. Values are
based on practical experience, and have been adjusted in particular to suit small-scale
irrigation conditions.

Table 2 provides guidance on the maximum width of basins or terraces based on the
land slope.

Table 1. Suggested basin areas for different soil types and rates of water flow
Flow Rate Soil Type
Sand Sandy Loam Clay Loam Clay
Li/sec m3/sec Basin Area (m2)
5 0.005 35 100 200 350
10 0.010 65 200 400 650
15 0.015 100 300 600 1000
30 0.03 200 600 1200 2000
60 0.06 400 1200 2400 4000
90 0.09 600 1800 3600 6000
120 0.12 800 2400 4800 8000
150 0.15 1000 3000 6000 10000
180 0.18 1200 3600 7200 12000
210 0.21 1400 4200 8400 14000
240 0.24 1600 4800 9600 16000
270 0.27 1800 5400 10800 18000
300 0.30 2000 6000 12000 20000
Expanded and modified from Booher (1974)
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Table 2. Recommended maximum width of basin or terrace based on land slope

Slope (%) Maximum Width (m)
Average Range
0.2 45 35 – 55

0.3 37 30 – 45

0.4 32 25 – 40

0.5 28 20 – 35

0.6 25 20 – 30

0.8 22 15 – 30

1.0 20 15 – 25

1.2 17 10 – 20

1.5 13 10 – 20

2.0 10 5 – 15

3.0 7 5 – 10

4.0 5 3–8
Source: Booher (1974)

Example 1 – Estimating basin size

Problem: Estimate the dimensions of a basin, when the soil type is deep clay
loam, land slope is 1 percent, and available stream size is 30 li/sec.

Solution:

From Table 1, The recommended maximum basin area for a clay

determine maximum loam soil with available flow rate of 30 li/sec = 1,200 m2
basin area:

From Table 2, The maximum basin width for a slope of 1 percent = 25 m

determine maximum
basin width:

Determine maximum Area = Length x Width

basin length using
area formula, thus: Length = Area/width = 1,200 m2/25 m = 48 m
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Therefore, the dimensions of the basin should be 25 m x 48 m so that application efficiency is

optimized.

Note: The above dimensions are maximum values. This basin can be made smaller than this
if required and still be irrigated efficiently with the available stream size or flow rate.

II. Furrow Irrigation Method

Furrows (Figure 4) are long and narrow small trenches made parallel with one another on
the surface of the field usually by a plow, especially used for seed planting or irrigation purposes.
When used for irrigation, the furrows convey water down the land slope between row crops.
Irrigation water flows from the supply channel into the furrows by opening up the bank of the
channel (Figure 5a), or by means of siphons or spiles (Figure 5b). Water infiltrates into the soil as it
moves along the slope. In order to ensure even distribution of irrigation water throughout the
whole field, all the furrows shall be of equal width and length.

According to Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem, furrow irrigation method is suitable for crops
that cannot withstand waterlogging for long periods. It is suitable for row crops like corn, potato,
sugarcane, soybean, tomato and other vegetables. It can be used also to irrigate fruit trees
such as citrus and grapes (n.d).

Source: Brouwer, Goffeau & Heibloem (1985)

Figure 4. Furrows for seed planting or irrigation purposes

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(a) By opening up the bank of the channel (b) By means of siphon or spiles
Source: SEOprofiler.com (n.d) Source: Alamy (n.d)

Figure 5. Furrow irrigation method

A. Types of furrow irrigation

The Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard 607 recognized two types of furrow
irrigation method: (1) corrugation furrow; and (2) zigzag furrow. In corrugation furrow method
(see Figure 5), the water flows down the slope in small furrows called corrugations or rills, which is
used for germinating drill-seeded or broadcasted crops. The zigzag furrow makes possible to
increase the length that the water must travel to reach the end of the irrigation run thus,
reducing the average slope and velocity of the water as shown in Figure 6. This can be formed
down and across the slope by machines (2016).

Zigzag furrow irrigation method is suited for trees. In the early stages of tree planting, one
furrow alongside the tree row may be sufficient but as the trees develop then two or more
furrows can be constructed to provide sufficient water. Sometimes, a special zigzag system is
used to improve the spread of water as shown in Figure 6 (Philippine Agricultural Engineering
Standard 607, 2016). Note of the applicability of the zigzag system on irrigating trees depending
on land slope.
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(a) Used for irrigating trees on land with (b) Used for irrigating trees on land with
fairly flat slope (< 0.5%) moderate slope (0.5 to 1.5%)
Source: Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem (n.d)

Figure 6. Zigzag furrows

B. Design criteria of furrow irrigation

Furrow irrigation systems should be designed to irrigate fields adequately for the first
irrigation following planting when roughness and intake are maximum, and for the succeeding
irrigation when the aforesaid conditions have been reduced by previous irrigations. The
application efficiency should be maximized subject to the limitation on erosive velocity, the
availability and total discharge of the water supply, and other farming practices (Walker, 1989).

In constructing furrows, the dimensions must be in consonance with the following criteria
(Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard 607, 2016):

1. Slope – The minimum furrow slope shall be 0.05 percent to facilitate effective drainage
following irrigation and excessive rainfall; while the maximum furrow slope shall be 0.5
percent to avoid soil erosion. If the slope of the field is steeper than 0.5 percent, the furrows
shall be set along the contour to keep furrow slopes within these recommended limits.
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2. Soil type – Furrow length shall be short in sandy soils to avoid excessive percolation losses;
while furrows can be longer in clayey soils.

3. Stream size – If the furrows are not too long, 0.5 li/sec of stream flow is adequate for irrigation
but the maximum stream size shall largely depend on the furrow slope.

4. Irrigation depth – Larger irrigation depths shall allow longer furrows.

5. Cultivation practice – Compromise shall be made between the machinery available to cut
furrows and the ideal plant spacing while ensuring that the spacing provides adequate
lateral wetting on all soil types.

C. Layout of furrow irrigation

The length of the furrow is influenced by its slope, soil type, stream size, and net irrigation
depth. Table 3 shows the recommended furrow length based on these parameters.

Table 3. Practical values of maximum furrow lengths based on slope, stream size, soil type, and
net irrigation depth
Furrow Maximum Stream Clay Loam Sand
Slope Size (li/sec) Net Irrigation Depth (mm)
(%) per furrow 50 75 50 75 50 75
Furrow Length (m)
0.0 3.0 100 150 60 90 30 45
0.1 3.0 120 170 90 125 45 60
0.2 2.5 130 180 110 150 60 95
0.3 2.0 150 200 130 170 75 110
0.5 1.2 150 200 130 170 75 110
Source: Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem (n.d)

Furrow lengths in Table 3 are for guidance purposes. It may be practical to make the
furrow length equal to the length of the field in order to avoid leftover land as shown in Figure 7.
In other words, the field boundaries dictate the length of the furrows.
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Source: Food and Agriculture Organization (2001)

Figure 7. Field length and furrow length

The width of furrows is a function of application depth (d). It should be large enough to
contain the stream flow. Narrow, deep V-shaped furrows (Figure 8) shall be made in sandy soils
in order to reduce the area through which water percolates. Wide, shallow furrows (Figure 9)
shall be made in clayey soils in order to obtain a large wetted area (Philippine Agricultural
Engineering Standard 607, 2016).

Source: Savva & Frenken (2002)

Figure 8. Dimensions of furrows for sandy soils

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Source: Savva & Frenken (2002)

Figure 9. Dimensions of furrows for clayey soils

The spacing of furrows is influenced by the soil type and the cultivation practice. As a
rule, for sandy soils the spacing should be between 30 cm for coarse sand, and 60 cm for fine
sand. On clay soils, the spacing between two adjacent furrows should be 75 to 150 cm (Brouwer,
Prins, Kay & Heibloem, n.d). These are given in Table 4.

Table 4. Recommended furrow spacing based on soil type

Soil Type Furrow Spacing (cm)
Coarse Sand 30
Fine Sand 60
Clay 75 – 150
Source: Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem (n.d)

In mechanized farming, a compromise is required between the machinery used to cut

furrows and the ideal spacings for crops. However, care is needed to ensure that the standard
spacings provide adequate lateral wetting on all soil types (Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem, n.d).

Example 2 – Determining length, interval and total number of furrows

Problem: Determine the length and number of furrows on a relatively flat fine
sandy soil when the net irrigation depth is 75 mm applied at a rate of
3.0 li/sec. The shape of the field is rectangle with dimensions of 90 m x
200 m planted lengthwise with tobacco as shown in the figure below.
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Solution:

From Table 3, For sandy soils that require 75 mm net application

determine the depth at a rate of 3.0 li/sec, the maximum furrow
recommended length = 45 m
maximum length of
furrow:

Since the planting The number of furrows along this length is

orientation is
lengthwise, the 120 m/45 m = 2.7
furrows should be set
along the 120 m Round this off to the next higher whole number, so
length, thus: the number of furrows along this 120 m length = 3 furrows

Therefore, there will be 3 furrows, 40 m long along the

200 m field length.

From Table 4, For fine sand, the recommended furrow spacing = 0.6 m
determine the
recommended
furrow spacing, thus:

Determine the For 90 m field width, the number of furrows = 90/0.6 = 150 furrows
number of furrows,
thus:

Determine the total Total number of furrows = 3 x 150 = 450 furrows

number of furrows,
thus:

Therefore, the field should be provided with 450 furrows having a length of 40 m per furrow,
wherein there will be a series of 3 furrows along the 200 m length, and 150 rows of furrows
spaced 0.6 m apart along the 90 m width.

III. Border Irrigation Method

Borders (sometimes called border strips) are usually long, uniformly graded strips of land,
separated by earth bunds or levees (Figure 10). In contrast to flooding or basin irrigation, these
bunds are not to contain the water for ponding but to guide it as it flows down the field.
Irrigation water can be fed to the border in several ways: opening up the channel bank, using
small outlets or gates or by means of siphons or spiles. A sheet of water (called water front) flows
down the slope of the border, guided by the bunds or levees on either side.

Border strip irrigation is generally best suited to large mechanized farms as it is designed
to produce long uninterrupted field lengths for ease of machine operations. It is less suited to
small-scale farms involving hand labor or animal-powered cultivation methods (Brouwer, Prins,
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Kay & Heibloem, n.d). In the Philippines, however, border strip irrigation is used in relatively small
cut-and-carry forage production areas.

Source: Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem (n.d)

Figure 10. Border strip irrigation method

A. Types of border strip irrigation

Border strip irrigation comes in two types: (1) open-end border system; and (2) blocked-
end border system. The open-end border system is usually applied to large borders where the
end borders are provided with openings to accommodate free flow of water for drainage. In
contrast, the blocked-end border system is usually applied to small borders where the end
borders restrict the further downward flow of water (Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard
607, 2016).
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B. Design criteria of border strip irrigation

The design of an efficient border irrigation system depends on many interrelated factors
which include (Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard 607, 2016):

1. Crop – All close-growing, non-cultivated, sown or drilled crops, except rice and other crops
grown in ponded water can be irrigated by border irrigation.

2. Topography – Areas shall have slopes of less than 0.5 percent. For non-sod crops, slopes of
up to 2 percent may be acceptable and slopes of 4 percent and steeper for sod crops.

3. Soil type. The soil shall have a moderately low to moderately high intake rate which is 7.6 to
50 mm/hr. Coarse sandy soils with extremely high and those with extremely low intake rate
shall be avoided.

4. Stream size – The stream size shall be large enough to adequately spread water across the
width of border.

5. Irrigation depth – A larger irrigation depth shall be aimed by making the border strip longer in
order to allow more time for the water to reach the end of the border strip.

6. Cultivation practices – The width of borders shall be a multiple of the farm machinery used in
the field.

C. Border strip layout

The dimensions and shape of border strips are influenced in much the same way as
basins and furrows, that is, by the soil type, stream size, slope, irrigation depth and other factors
such as farming practices and field or farm size. Table 5 provides a guideline to determine
maximum border strip dimensions. It must, however, be stressed that this table is for general
guidance only as the values are based on field experience and not on any scientific
relationships (Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem, n.d).

Take note that in Column 3 of the above table, the stream flow is given per meter width
of the border. Thus, the total stream flow into a border is equal to the unit flow (the value given in
the table) multiplied by the border width (in meters). This will be illustrated in Example 3.
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Table 5. Suggested maximum length and width of border strips

Soil Type Border Slope Stream Flow Border Width Border
(%) (li/sec per m) (m) Length (m)
Sand 0.2 – 0.4 10 – 15 12 – 30 60 – 90
Infiltration rate greater than 0.4 – 0.6 8 – 10 9 – 12 60 – 90
25 mm/hr
0.6 – 1.0 5–8 6–9 75
Loam 0.2 – 0.4 5–7 12 – 30 90 – 250
Infiltration rate of 10 to 25 0.4 – 0.6 4–6 6 – 12 90 – 180
mm/hr
0.6 – 1.0 2–4 6 90
Clay 0.2 – 0.4 3–4 12 – 30 180 – 300
Infiltration rate of less than 10 0.4 – 0.6 2–3 6 – 12 90 – 180
mm/hr
0.6 – 1.0 1–2 6 90
Source: Brouwer, Prins, Kay & Heibloem (n.d)

D. Operation

Borders are irrigated by diverting a stream of water from the channel to the upper end of
the border where the water flows down the slope. When the desired amount of water has been
delivered to the border strip, the stream is turned off. This may occur before the water has
reached the end of the border. There are no specific rules controlling this decision. However, if
the flow is stopped too soon there may not be enough water in the border strip to complete the
irrigation at the far end. If it is left running for too long, then water may run off the end of the
border and be lost in the drainage system.

As a guideline, the inflow to the border strip can be stopped as follows (Philippine
Agricultural Engineering Standard 607, 2016):

a. On clay soils, the inflow is stopped when the irrigation water covers 60 percent of the
border. If, for example, the border is 100 m long a stick is placed 60 m from the farm
channel. When the water front reaches the stick, the inflow is stopped.

b. On loamy soils, it is stopped when 70 to 80 percent of the border is covered with water.

c. On sandy soils, the irrigation water must cover the entire border before the flow is
stopped.
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Example 3 – Determining border strip width and length, distance of water front from the source
and total stream flow

Problem: Given a grass pasture on clayey soil with 0.3 percent slope that
requires a 3.5 li/sec irrigation water application rate:

a. What will be the maximum width and length of the open-ended

border strip irrigation system?

b. At what distance in meters the irrigation water would have

reached along the direction of flow from the source to
downstream so that the flow can be stopped to prevent over-
irrigation?

c. What is the corresponding total streamflow to satisfy the desired

irrigation depth?

Solution:

From Table 5, For clay soils with 0.3 percent slope and 3.5 li/sec
determine the application rate:
maximum width and
length of border Maximum width = 30 m
strips, thus:
Maximum length = 300 m

Determine when to From the guidelines in Section D (Operation) above,

close or stop the it is recommended that on clayey soils, the inflow is
supply source to stopped when the irrigation water covers 60 percent
avoid over- of the border strip length:
application, thus:
Distance of water front from source = 300 m x 0.6 = 180 m

Determine total Per notation for Column 3 of Table 5 above, the

stream flow, thus: stream flow is given per meter width of the border
strip. Thus,

Total stream flow into a border strip = unit flow x

border width (in meters) = 3.5 li/sec/m x 30 m = 105 li/sec

Therefore, the pasture area should be provided with 30 m x 300 m border strips with
application rate of 105 li/sec, which should be stopped when the water front has reached 180
m downstream.
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Passing Score: 75 points

Due Date: ASAP but not later than ____________________________________.
Penalty for Late Submission: 5 points deduction per day of delay

If space is not enough, continue at the left-side directly opposite the item being answered.

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of surface irrigation methods? (10 pts)

2. Define and contrast the three methods of surface irrigation. (15 pts)
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3. Give examples when to use or employ each method. (15 pts)

4. Summarize briefly the design criteria of the three surface irrigation methods. (15 pts)
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5. Estimate the most efficient dimensions (length and width) of the rice paddy (basin irrigation),
when the soil type is sandy loam and the average slope is 0.5 percent. The available flow
rate from the adjacent NIA irrigation canal is 0.15 m 3/sec. (15 pts)

6. Determine the length and number of furrows on a 10.0 ha clayey corn field with 0.3 percent
slope. The required depth of irrigation water application is 75 mm to be applied at a rate of
0.002 m3/sec. The field is a rectangle with dimensions of 200 x 500 m planted crosswise with
corn. (15 pts)
 24

7. Given a Centrosema forage production area (border irrigation) with loamy soils and 0.25
percent slope that requires a 0.006 m3/sec irrigation water application rate:

a. What will be the maximum width and length of the open-ended border strip irrigation
system? (5 pts)

b. At what distance in meters the irrigation water would have reached along the direction
of flow from the source to downstream so that the flow can be stopped to prevent over-
irrigation? (5 pts)
 25

c. What is the corresponding total streamflow to satisfy the desired irrigation depth? (5 pts)
 26

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Khanna, M. & Malano, H.M. (2006). Modelling of basin irrigation systems: A review [Image].
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. (n.d). NASEM [Logo]. Retrieved
from http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/biso/SS/index.htm

Pachauri, S. (2014). Irrigation methods. Retrieved from

https://www.slideshare.net/sanjeevpachauri/irrigation-methods

Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard 607. (2016). Design of basin, border and furrow
irrigation systems.

Reddy, J.M. (2011). Design of level-basin irrigation systems for robust performance. In ICID 21st
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