AG ENG 311 Week 8: Surface Irrigation and Water Management

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What is the primary factor determining the final layout of a surface irrigation system?

The size of the farm

The type of earthmoving machinery used

The type of crops being irrigated

The ability of channels to command higher ground (correct)

What is the purpose of building up the ground under proposed channels?

To provide a precise gradient for the channels

To reduce the amount of water required

To provide command over higher ground (correct)

To reduce the cost of construction

What is the function of gates in surface irrigation systems?

To increase water flow in the channel

To stop water flow and increase water level in the channel

To control the direction of flow (correct)

To deliver water from the channel into the bay or furrow

What is the purpose of drop structures in surface irrigation systems?

To bring water to a channel lower in height Signup and view all the answers

Why are channels in surface irrigation systems constructed with a precise gradient?

To allow for gravity-fed irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of culverts in surface irrigation systems?

To allow for access roads to cross the channel Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary condition for using a syphon in irrigation?

When water level in the channel is higher than the water level on the bay or furrow Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using gated pipes over channels?

Increased water application efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of using gated pipes in irrigation?

Insufficient flow capacity Signup and view all the answers

What is a common material used to make syphons?

Aluminum or plastic tubes Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of using channels in irrigation?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a gate in irrigation?

To divert water from the channel Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of surface irrigation methods?

They apply a relatively large amount of water at relatively infrequent intervals Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge in surface irrigation methods?

Applying a large amount of water evenly Signup and view all the answers

Why is advance ordering of water required in areas where surface irrigation methods are used?

Because water is supplied from regulated sources Signup and view all the answers

What happens when surface irrigation commences?

Water infiltrates the soil at the head of the bay or furrow Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of surface irrigation methods?

Inherent unevenness in the amount of water applied Signup and view all the answers

What strategy can be employed to minimize the problems of surface irrigation methods?

Attention to accuracy during landscaping Signup and view all the answers

What is one method to control velocity of water flow in surface irrigation?

By varying the gradient along the bay or furrow Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using 'giant' siphons in surface irrigation?

They can service multiple furrows from a head bay Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges of controlling water flow in surface irrigation?

It is not easy to manage and requires specialized devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using gates and other channel outlets in surface irrigation?

To reduce labour requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ways to reduce labour requirements in surface irrigation?

By using various devices to automatically close channel checks Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to control velocity of water flow in surface irrigation?

To match intake rate along the full length of the bay or furrow Signup and view all the answers