Application of kinematic wave equations to border irrigation design

Accuracy of the kinematic wave (KW) approximation was tested on 31 experimental irrigation borders by computing the KW number and its modified version. In a majority of cases, this approximation was found to be sufficiently accurate. A KW model, reported previously, was used to derive dimensionless advance and recession curves for application to border irrigation design. These curves can be developed for a wide range of design variables and parameters for ready practical use. A step by step design procedure, based on this model is presented. Its validity was tested by comparing observed irrigation efficiencies with those computed by the model. A close agreement between computed and observed efficiencies suggests that the KW model is reasonably accurate. Its simplicity and physical basis may justify its large-scale field application.