The development and application of analytical techniques for planning of irrigation systems

Smart, Graeme M.

Abstract

Computer-based techniques for assessment of irrigation water supply and demand are illustrated using a 140 x 75 km discrete element representation of the Canterbury Plain, New Zealand. A versatile soil moisture accounting model is developed and used to simulate soil moisture status throughout the Plain, and various irrigation management policies are modelled. Detailed statistics are compiled on soil moisture levels and net irrigation water requirements at Winchmore in central Canterbury. In a specific study of the Rakaia River, a major water resource of Canterbury, the stochastic component of stream flow under different climatic regimes are investigated. Water demand is then compared with available water supply on a daily basis to establish the potential of irrigation by direct diversion of stream flow.

Keywords

irrigation systems; soil moisture accounting model; irrigation water supply; Canterbury; water resources; irrigation schemes; modelling; analytical techniques

Fields of Research

099901 Agricultural Engineering; 079901 Agricultural Hydrology (Drainage, Flooding, Irrigation, Quality, etc.)

Date

1978

Type

Thesis

Access Rights

Digital thesis can be viewed by current staff and students of Lincoln University only. Print copy available for reading in Lincoln University Library.