Abstract
Emitter spacing and emitter flow rates should be matched with the soil’s wetting characteristics to achieve precision and high irrigation efficiency. A method for determining surface wetted radius and depth of the wetted soil volume under drip irrigation was developed. The wetted soil volume was assumed to depend on the depth of saturated hydraulic conductivity, volume of water applied, average change of moisture content and the emitter application rate. Empirical equations relating the wetted depth and width to the other parameters were obtained. Many experiments were used to verify these equations. Very good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results improves the validity of these equations. The results show that the suggested equations can be used for a wider range of discharge rates and other soil types. DIPAC will ensure that water and fertilizer reach the crop root zone precisely and efficiently. Keywords: trickle irrigation, wetting front, surface wetted radius, emitter spacing