Method for Estimating Efficiency in Spanish Irrigation Systems
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 120, Issue 5
Abstract
The investigation deals with conveyance efficiency and global hydraulic efficiency in Spanish irrigation systems. The values of conveyance efficiency are calculated for five channels. As the lack of reliable data makes it impossible to calculate global efficiency, a method is developed that is based on the comparison between the theoretical crop water requirements and the volume released at the head of the main channel. The so‐defined net demand/release ratio marks the upper limit of global efficiency. Values are calculated in 38 irrigation systems that represent about a fifth of the total irrigated surface in Spain. It is demonstrated that the most water loss occurs in distribution and application. Analysis of the influence of diverse system characteristics, such as irrigation method, gross supply, water prices, and tariff types shows the importance of these aspects on irrigation efficiency.
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References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 120 • Issue 5 • September 1994
Pages: 979 - 986
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 2, 1993
Published online: Sep 1, 1994
Published in print: Sep 1994
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