Discharge rates,salinities, and the performance of subsurface collector drains in Egypt

To evaluate the hydraulic performance of subsurface collector drains and to study the relationships between discharge rates, crop patterns, and the salinity of drainage water, subsurface drains were monitored in different parts of the Nile Delta and Valley.Actual discharges were much smaller than design discharges. Also, overpressure in the pipes occurred frequently, indicating too small a capacity in the design. From research in one pilot area, it was concluded that if construction methods and materials are not improved, the roughness factor in the design should be increased by 100% to allow sufficient capacity.The cultivation of rice increases discharges. Salinity of drainage water is higher in winter than in summer, and higher in the north of the Delta than in the south.