Abstract

Extensive experimentation on surge flow furrow irrigation has confirmed its supremacy over the continuous flow irrigation as realised through quicker water front advances, reduced infiltration rates and high order of soil moisture storage and distribution efficiencies. To facilitate surge flow into furrows, two semi-automated surge irrigation device were fabricated and evaluated. These devices operate satisfactorily in effecting surge flow in the non-erosive and non-silting furrow discharge of 1.0 1s and specific surge cycle ratios of 1/2 and 1/3 under low to medium operating pressure head of around 40 cm of water.

Keywords: Surge flow, cycle ratio, surge device