Sprinkler Technologies, Soil Infiltration, and Runoff

Previous simulation studies dealing with surface runoff use mathematical models based on a single soil infiltration relationship to estimate the influence of irrigation application depths and rates on surface runoff depths. Soil infiltration is influenced by such parameters as soil type, tillage practices, and soil water content. Surface runoff data from a field study with a continuous-move irrigation lateral indicate that Green and Ampt soil infiltration parameter values may also be influenced by sprinkler technologies. Soil infiltration parameter values derived from a sprinkler test with a low application rate may produce results that overestimate runoff values for sprinklers with higher application rates. Likewise, parameter values derived from a sprinkler with a high application rate can produce results that underestimate surface runoff for sprinkler technologies with lower application rates.