A Study on Planned and Applied Irrigation Modules in Irrigation Networks: A Case Study at Büyük Menderes Basin, Turkey

In this study, irrigation modules calculated in planning and actualized operational stage of the irrigation networks are examined. Irrigation module used irrigation networks is a constant discharge parameter, meeting the needs of irrigation water requirement smonthly of crops in one hectare of irrigation area and it is a constant discharge flowing continuously for a month. Extent of the overlapping between the irrigation planning module and the operation module actualized during the operational stage of the irrigation network depends on changes in the cropping patterns, differences in the effects of field irrigation methods used by farmers on the capacity of the constructed system, the increases or decreases in the water demands depending on the irrigation period, as well as the extent of sustainability according to the selected operation method. A2 irrigation area of Aydin plain irrigation network, locating in the Büyük Menderes basin, Turkey is selected as study area, with an area of 2500 ha. Irrigation planning module calculated for this network is q = 1.16 l/s/ha and it has been designed as per the supply demand operation method. For the study;actualized irrigation module in the operation stage has been compared with the planning irrigation module by using Excel software and taking parameters such as actual crop pattern and percentage distributions, actualized irrigated areas, irrigation networks and water distribution, water intake of irrigation networks which have been calculated without operation losses, as well as with 5%, 10%, and 15% operation losses. The July operation module calculated for the examined irrigation network generally conforms to the planning module, as it has received the values close to or below the value of irrigation planning modules.

Developing a modeling tool for flow profiling in irrigation distribution networks

Efforts are underway to rehabilitate the irrigation districts,such as in the Rio Grande Basin in Texas.Water distribution network models are needed to help prioritize and analyze various rehabilitation options,as well as to scientifically quantify irrigation water demands,usages,and losses,and to help manage gate automation.However,commercially available software packages were limited in applications due to their high cost and operational difficulty.This study aims to develop a modeling tool for modeling the water flow profile in irrigation distribution networks.The goal of developing the modeling tool was to make the modeling process simple,fast,reliable and accurate.On the basis of methodological study,the modeling tool has been developed for branching canal networks with the assumption of steady gradually varied flow.The flow profile calculation of the tool was verified from a single channel with 1%root mean squared error compared to the benchmark calculation and a branching network with 5%to 12%relative errors compared to check point measurement along the network.The developed modeling tool will be able to play an important role in water quantification for planning,analysis and development for modernization of irrigation systems.