Nonuniformity and Sprinkler Application Efficiency

The effects on nonuniformity of application on the application efficiency of sprinkler irrigation are investigated, first by considering three special cases, and then by deriving a general expression. This expression is then used in conjunction with some hypothetical nonuniform distribution patterns and one real pattern to give a graphical indication of the form of relationships between three quantities: The Christiansen uniformity coefficient; and what have been termed the mean application ratio and the application efficiency factor due to nonuniformity. The effects of skewness of the distribution of precipitation are shown to be significant. The analysis is based on the assumption that the depth of soil wetted at any point is proportional to the precipitation that has fallen at that point.