Home
Back
BC Irrigation Formula:
| From: | To: |
The BC irrigation calculation estimates water usage for agricultural irrigation based on area size, evapotranspiration rates, crop factors, and irrigation efficiency. It helps farmers and water resource managers plan and optimize water usage for crop production.
The calculator uses the BC irrigation formula:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the volume of water needed to meet crop water requirements while accounting for the efficiency of the irrigation system.
Details: Accurate irrigation calculation is crucial for sustainable water management, optimizing crop yields, reducing water waste, and ensuring efficient use of limited water resources in agricultural practices.
Tips: Enter the irrigation area in square meters, evapotranspiration rate in millimeters, crop factor (typically between 0.4-1.2), and irrigation efficiency (typically between 0.5-0.9 for most systems). All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is evapotranspiration (ET)?
A: ET is the combined process of water evaporation from soil and plant surfaces and transpiration from plants. It represents the total water loss from a cropped area.
Q2: How do I determine the crop factor?
A: Crop factors vary by plant type and growth stage. Consult agricultural extension services or crop-specific research for appropriate values for your crops.
Q3: What is typical irrigation efficiency?
A: Efficiency ranges from 50-90% depending on the irrigation method. Drip irrigation typically has the highest efficiency (80-90%), while flood irrigation has lower efficiency (50-70%).
Q4: Can this calculation be used for any crop?
A: Yes, but you need the appropriate crop factor for your specific plants. Different crops have different water requirements at various growth stages.
Q5: How often should I recalculate irrigation needs?
A: Irrigation needs change with weather conditions and crop growth stage. Recalculate weekly or when significant weather changes occur.