PAES 002:2013

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL
STANDARD PNS/BAFS/PAES 222:2017
ICS 65.060.35

Design of Basin, Border and Furrow

Irrigation Systems

BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES STANDARDS

BPI Compound Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines
Phone (632) 920-6131; (632) 455-2856; (632) 467-9039; Telefax (632) 455-2858
E-mail: [email protected]
DEPARTMENT OF Website: www.bafps.da.gov.ph
AGRICULTURE
PHILIPPINES
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS/PAES 222:2017
Design of Basin, Border and Furrow Irrigation Systems

Foreword

The formulation of this national standard was initiated by the Agricultural

Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) under the project entitled
“Enhancement of Nutrient and Water Use Efficiency Through Standardization of
Engineering Support Systems for Precision Farming” funded by the Philippine
Council for Agriculture, Aquaculture and Forestry and Natural Resources
Research and Development - Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD -
DOST).

As provided by the Republic Act 10601 also known as the Agricultural and
Fisheries Mechanization Law (AFMech Law of 2013), the Bureau of Agriculture
and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) is mandated to develop standard specifications
and test procedures for agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment.
Consistent with its standards development process, BAFS has endorsed this
standard for the approval of the DA Secretary through the Bureau of Agricultural
and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE) and to the Bureau of Philippine Standards
(BPS) for appropriate numbering and inclusion to the Philippine National
Standard (PNS) repository.

This standard has been technically prepared in accordance with BPS Directives
Part 3:2003 – Rules for the Structure and Drafting of International Standards.

The word “shall” is used to indicate mandatory requirements to conform to the

standard.

The word “should” is used to indicate that among several possibilities one is
recommended as particularly suitable without mentioning or excluding others.

iii
 PAES 002:2013

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS/PAES 222:2017

Design of Basin, Border and Furrow Irrigation Systems

CONTENTS Page

1 Scope 1
2 References 1
3 Definitions 1
4 Data Requirement 3
5 Selection Criteria 4
6 Basin Irrigation 5
6.1 Types of Basin Irrigation 5
6.2 Design Criteria 6
6.3 Design Procedure 7
6.4 Operation 8
7 Border Irrigation 8
7.1 Types of Border Irrigation 8
7.2 Design Criteria 8
7.3 Design Procedure 9
7.4 Operation 10
8 Furrow Irrigation 10
8.1 Types of Furrow Irrigation 10
8.2 Design Criteria 10
8.3 Design Procedure 11
8.4 Operation 13
9 Bibliography 14

ANNEXES

A Evaluation of Furrow Irrigation System 16

B Furrow Cross Section Analysis 26
C Determination of Infiltration Rate Using Infiltrometer 27

ii
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFS/PAES 222:2017

Design of Basin, Border and Furrow Irrigation Systems

Introduction

Surface irrigation is one of the widely used systems of irrigation in the country.
Basin and border irrigation systems are designed for lowland rice irrigation
while furrow irrigation is mostly for corn and sugarcane. The methods discussed
in this standard are primarily intended for areas for development where
irrigation systems do not exist yet. It is also intended to help in improving the
traditional way of irrigation especially for those who uses flooding method.

1 Scope

This standard provides selection criteria minimum requirements and procedure

for the design of a surface irrigation system specifically for basin, border and
furrow.

2 References

The following normative documents contain provisions, which, through

reference in this text, constitute provisions of this National Standard:

PNS/BAFS/PAES 217:2017 Determination of Irrigation Water Requirements

3 Definitions

For the purpose of this standard, the following terms shall apply:

3.1
basin
field that is level in all directions, encompassed by a dike to prevent runoff, and
provides an undirected flow of water onto the field

3.2
basin irrigation
type of surface irrigation where water is applied to the basin through a gap in
the perimeter dike or adjacent ditch as shown in Figure 1; water is retained until
it infiltrates into the soil or the excess is drained off.

3.3
border irrigation
method of irrigation which makes use of parallel border strips where the water
flows down the slope at a nearly uniform depth (Figure 2)

1
3.4
border strip
area of land bounded by two border ridges or dikes that guide the irrigation
stream from the inlet point of application to the ends of the strip

Figure 1. Basin Irrigation

SOURCE: Brouwer, Irrigation Water Management Training Manual No. 5:
Irrigation Methods, n.d

Figure 2. Border Irrigation

SOURCE: Brouwer, Irrigation Water Management Training Manual No. 5:
Irrigation Methods, n.d

2
3.5
furrows
small parallel channels, made to carry water in order to irrigate the crop

3.6
furrow irrigation
method of irrigation where water runs through small parallel channels as it
moves down the slope of the field (Figure 3)

3.7
head ditch
supply ditch
small channel along one part of a field that is used for distributing water in
surface irrigation

Figure 3. Furrow Irrigation

SOURCE: Brouwer, Irrigation Water Management Training Manual No. 5:
Irrigation Methods, n.d

3.8
surface irrigation system
application of water by gravity flow to the surface of the field. Either the entire
field is flooded (basin irrigation) or the water is fed into small channels
(furrows) or strips of land (borders)

4 Data Requirement

The following data are required in the selection and design of a surface irrigation
system
 Slope
 Soil Type
 Type of Crop

3
  Irrigation Depth
 Stream Size

5 Selection Criteria

The suitable type of surface irrigation system for an area shall be based on the
following criteria:

Table 1. Selection of Surface Irrigation System

Selection Furrow Border Basin Irrigation

Criteria Irrigation Irrigation
Necessary Low Moderate to high High
development
costs
Most appropriate Rectangular Rectangular Variable
field geometry
Land leveling and Minimal required Moderate initial Extensive land
smoothing but needed for investment and leveling required
high efficiency, regular smoothing initially, but
Smoothing needed is critical smoothing is less
regularly critical if done
periodically
Soils Coarse-to Moderate- to fine- Moderate- to fine-
moderate- textured soils textured soils
textured soils
Crops Row crops ( corn, Row/solid-stand Solid-stand crops
vegetables, tree, crops, annual (paddy rice and
sugarcane) crops (sugarcane, other which can
forage, pasture) withstand
waterlogged
conditions
Water supply Low-discharge, Moderately high High discharge,
long duration, discharge, short short duration,
frequent supply duration, infrequent supply
infrequent supply
Climate All, but better in All, but better in All
low rainfall low to moderate
rainfall
Principal Risk Erosion Scalding Scalding
Efficiency and Relatively low to High with blocked High
uniformity moderate ends
Slope 0.05 % to 3.0 % 2.0% to 5.0% ≤ 0.1%
SOURCE: NCRS-USDA, Part 623: Irrigation – National Engineering Handbook,
2012

4
6 Basin Irrigation

6.1 Types of Basin Irrigation

6.1.1 Closed Single Basin

6.1.1.1 Water applied to an individual basin and all of that applied water is
allowed to infiltrate.

6.1.1.2 Each basin in the irrigation block is hydraulically independent.

6.1.1.3 Water advances from the inflow point towards the downstream
end of the basin in a regular pattern, which may be distorted by surface
irregularities

6.1.1.4 Inflow is normally shutoff before the water reaches the

downstream end of the basin

6.1.2 Multiple/ Sequential Basin

6.1.2.1 Each basin is irrigated separately by a supply channel running

along the boundary with a number of adjacent basins as shown in Figure 4.

6.1.2.2 In each basin, the water level in the supply channel controls the
water application. When a basin is irrigated, the water level in the channel is
raised higher than the soil surface elevation and overflows onto the basin.

6.1.2.3 When the irrigation is completed, the water level in the channel is
lowered below the soil surface elevation of the basin and supply is diverted to
the next basin. The excess water from the first basin drains back to the supply
channel.

6.1.2.4 The next basin is irrigated with the supply discharge plus the
drainage water from the upstream basin (or basins).

Figure 4. Sequential Basin

SOURCE: Savva and Frenken, Irrigation Manual Volume II Module 7 - Surface
irrigation systems: planning, design, operation and maintenance, 2002

5
6.2 Design Criteria

6.2.1 Topography - The basin shall be nearly if not completely level to prevent
tailwater. A difference of 6 cm to 9 cm between the highest and lowest elevations
may be allowed such that it is less than one-half of the net depth of application.

6.2.2 Soil type - Sandy soils or fine-textured soils that crack when dry shall be
avoided to maintain adequate basin ridge height.

6.2.3 Application rate - Irrigation water shall be applied at a rate that will
advance over the basin in a fraction of the infiltration time

6.2.4 Irrigation volume - The volume of water applied shall be equal to the
average gross irrigation application.

6.2.5 Intake opportunity time -The intake opportunity time at all points in the
basin shall be greater than or equal to the time required for the net irrigation to
infiltrate the soil. The longest intake opportunity time at any point in the basin
area shall be sufficiently short to avoid scalding and excessive percolation losses.

6.2.6 Depth of water - The depth of water flow shall be contained by the basin
dikes.

6.2.7 Design application efficiency - The minimum design application

efficiency shall be 70% thus, the minimum time required to cover the basin shall
be 60% of the time required for the net application depth to infiltrate the soil.

6.2.8 Basin dikes – Top width of the basin dike shall be greater than or equal
to the height of the dike. The settled height shall be at least equal to either the
gross application depth or the design maximum depth of flow plus a freeboard of
25%, whichever is greater.

6.2.9 Supply ditches – Supply ditches shall convey the design inflow rate of
each basin or multiples of the design flow rate where more than one basin is
irrigated simultaneously. The water surface in the ditch shall be 15 cm to 30 cm
above the ground surface level in the basin depending on the outlet
characteristics. The ditches shall be constructed with a 0.1% grade or less to
minimize the number of check structures and labor requirements.

6.2.10 Outlet location – One outlet shall be installed for basin widths of up to 60
m and flow rates up to 0.4 m3/s. Multiple outlets at various locations may be
installed depending on the rate of flow require and the width of the basin.

6.2.11 Drainage – Surface drainage facilities shall be provided for basins with
low or moderate intake soils and in high rainfall areas.

6.2.12 Erosion – The maximum water flow velocity into the basin shall be less
than or equal to 1 m/s to avoid scouring and erosion.

6
6.2.13 Agricultural practice – The width of the agricultural machinery or
implement to be used in the basin shall be considered in finalizing the width.

6.3 Design Procedure

The design procedure is based on the objective to flood the entire area in a
reasonable length of time so that the desired depth of water can be applied with
a degree of uniformity over the entire basin. Table 2 shows the suggested basin
size for different soil types and flow while Table 3 shows the maximum basin
width based on slope. Figure 5 outlines the design procedure.

Figure 5. Design Procedure for Basin Irrigation Design

Table 2. Suggested Basin Areas for Different Soil Types and Rates of Water
Flow

Soil Type
Flow Rate Sandy Clay Loam
Sand Clay
Loam
L/s m3/s ha
30 0.03 0.02 0.06 0.12 0.2
60 0.06 0.04 0.12 0.24 0.4
90 0.09 0.06 0.18 0.36 0.6
120 0.12 0.08 0.24 0.48 0.8
150 0.15 0.10 0.30 0.60 1.0
180 0.18 0.12 0.36 0.72 1.2
210 0.21 0.14 0.42 0.84 1.4
240 0.24 0.16 0.48 0.96 1.6
270 0.27 0.18 0.54 1.08 1.8
300 0.3 0.20 0.60 1.20 2.0
SOURCE: Booher, FAO Agricultural Development Paper 95: Surface Irrigation,
1974

7
 Table 3. Approximate Values for the Maximum Basin Width

Maximum Width (m)

Slope (%)
Average Range
0.2 45 35-55
0.3 37 30-45
0.4 32 25-40
0.5 28 20-35
0.6 25 20-30
0.8 22 15-30
1.0 20 15-25
1.2 17 10-20
1.5 13 10-20
2.0 10 5-15
3.0 7 5-10
4.0 5 3-8
SOURCE: Booher, FAO Agricultural Development Paper 95: Surface Irrigation,
1974

6.4 *Methods of Operation

6.4.1 Direct Method - Irrigation water is led directly from the field channel
into the basin through siphons, spiles or bundbreaks.

6.4.2 Cascade Method - Irrigation water is supplied to the highest terrace, and
then allowed to flow to a lower terrace and so on.

7 Border Irrigation

7.1 Types of Border Irrigation

7.1.2 Open-end Border System - This is usually applied to large borders

where the end borders are provided with openings to accommodate free flow of
water for drainage

7.1.3 Blocked-end Border System - This is usually applied to small borders

where the end borders restrict the further downward flow of water.

7.2 Design Criteria

7.2.1 Crop – All close-growing, non-cultivated, sown or drilled crops, except

rice and other crops grown in ponded water can be irrigated by border
irrigation.

7.2.2 Topography – Areas shall have slopes of less than 0.5%. For non-sod
crops, slopes of up to 2% may be acceptable and slopes of 4% and steeper for
sod crops.

8
7.2.3 Soil Type – The soil shall have a moderately low to moderately high
intake rate which is 7.6 mm/hr to 50 mm/hr. Coarse sandy soils with extremely
high and those with etremely low intake rate shall be avoided.

7.2.4 Stream Size – The stream size shall be large enough to adequately spread
water across the width of border.

7.2.5 Irrigation Depth – A larger irrigation depth shall be aimed by making the
border strip longer in order to allow more time for the water to reach the end of
the border strip.

7.2.6 Cultivation Practices – The width of borders shall be a multiple of the

farm machinery used in the field.

7.3 Design Procedure

Table 4 provides a guideline in determining maximum border dimensions based

on field experience. Figure 6 shows the design procedure.

Figure 6. Design Procedure for Border Irrigation Design

Table 4. Suggested Maximum Border Lengths and Widths

Soil Type Border Stream Border Border

Slope (%) Flow (L/s) Width (m) Length (m)
Sand 0.2-0.4 10-15 12-30 60-90
Infiltration rate 0.4-0.6 8-10 9-12 60-90
greater than 25 0.6-1.0 5-8 6-9 75
mm/h
Loam 0.2-0.4 5-7 12-30 90-250
Infiltration rate of 0.4-0.6 4-6 6-12 90-180
10 to 25 mm/h 0.6-1.0 2-4 6 90
Clay 0.2-0.4 3-4 12-30 180-300
Infiltration rate of 0.4-0.6 2-3 6-12 90-180
less than 10 mm/h 0.6-1.0 1-2 6 90
SOURCE: Brouwer, Irrigation Water Management Training Manual No. 5:
Irrigation Methods, n.d
9
7.4 Operation

Borders are irrigated by diverting a stream of water from the channel to the
upper end of the border where it flows down the slope. When the desired
amount of water has been delivered to the border, the stream is turned off which
may occur before the water has reached the end of the border. The following
may be used as guidelines:

7.4.1 On clay soils, the inflow is stopped when the irrigation water covers 60%
of the border.

7.4.2 On loamy soils it is stopped when 70 to 80% of the border is covered with
water.

7.4.3 On sandy soils the irrigation water must cover the entire border before
the flow is stopped.

8 Furrow Irrigation

8.1 Types of Furrow Irrigation

8.1.1 Corrugation Irrigation

8.1.1.1 The water flows down the slope in small furrows called
corrugalions or rills which is used for germinating drill-seeded or broadcasted
crops.

8.1.1.2 No raised beds are used for crops.

8.1.2 Zigzag Furrow

8.1.2.1 This type of furrow irrigation shall increase the length that the
water must travel to reach the end of irrigation run thus, reducing the average
slope and velocity of the water.

8.1.2.2 This can be formed down and across the slope by machines.

8.2 Design Criteria

8.2.1 Slope – The minimum grade shall be 0.05% to facilitate effective drainage
following irrigation and excessive rainfall. If the land slope is steeper than 0.5%,
furrows shall be set at an angle to the main slope or along the contourto keep
furrow slopes within the recommended limits.

8.2.2 Soil Type – Furrows shall be short in sandy soils to avoid excessinv
percolation losses while furrows can be longer in clayey soils.

10
8.2.3 Stream Size – If the furrows are not too long, 0.5 L/s of stream flow shall
be adequate for irrigation but the maximum stream size shall largely depend on
the furrow slope.

Figure 7. Zigzag Furrow

SOURCE: Brouwer, Irrigation Water Management Training Manual No. 5:
Irrigation Methods, n.d

8.2.4 Irrigation Depth – Larger irrigation depths shall allow longer furrows.

8.2.5 Cultivation Practice – Compromise shall be made between the

machinery available to cut furrows and the ideal plant spacing while ensuring
that the spacing provides adequate lateral wetting on all soil types

8.3 Design Procedure

Figure 8 outlines the design procedure.

Figure 8. Design Procedure for Furrow Irrigation Design

11
8.3.1 Furrow Length

The recommended furrow length based on different parameters are shown in

Table 5. However, it may be practical to make the furrow length equal to the
length of the field in order to avoid leftover land.

Table 5. Practical Values of Maximum Furrow Lengths (m) Depending on

Slope, Soil Type, Stream Size and Net Irrigation Depth

Maximum
Furrow Stream Clay Loam Sand
Slope Size (l/s)
(%) per Net Irrigation Depth (mm)
furrow 50 75 50 75 50 75
0.0 3.0 100 150 60 90 30 45
0.1 3.0 120 170 90 125 45 60
0.2 2.5 130 180 110 150 60 95
0.3 2.0 150 200 130 170 75 110
0.5 1.2 150 200 130 170 75 110
SOURCE: Brouwer, Irrigation Water Management Training Manual No. 5:
Irrigation Methods, n.d

8.3.1.1 Gross Depth of Irrigation

Stream Size × Time Water Applied

dgross =
Furrow Length × Wetted Furrow Spacing

8.3.1.2 Required Discharge from Source

Discharge from Source = Stream Size × Number of Furrows Flowing

8.3.2 Furrow Shape

8.3.2.1 The furrow shall be large enough to contain the expected stream
size.

8.3.2.2 Narrow, deep V-shaped furrows as shown in Figure 9 shall be

made in sandy soils in order to reduce the area through which water percolates.

8.3.2.3 Wide, shallow furrows as shown in Figure 10 shall be made in clay

soils in order to obtain a large wetted area

12
 Figure 9. Furrows for Sandy Soils
SOURCE: Savva and Frenken, Irrigation Manual Volume II Module 7 - Surface
irrigation systems: planning, design, operation and maintenance, 2002

Figure 10. Furrows for Clayey Soils

SOURCE: Savva and Frenken, Irrigation Manual Volume II Module 7 - Surface
irrigation systems: planning, design, operation and maintenance, 2002

8.3.3 Furrow Spacing

Table 6. Recommended Furrow Spacing Based on Soil Type

Soil Type Furrow Spacing (cm)

Coarse Sand 30
Fine Sand 60
Clay 75-150
SOURCE: Brouwer, Irrigation Water Management Training Manual No. 5:
Irrigation Methods, n.d

8.4 Operation

8.4.1 Direct Application- Water is supplied to each furrow from the field canal,
using siphons or spiles. If available, a gated pipe is used. Figure 10 and Figure 11
show the direct application of water into each furrow.

8.4.2 Alternate Furrow Irrigation – It involves irrigating alternate furrows

rather than every furrow. Small amounts applied frequently in this way are
usually better for the crop than large amounts applied after longer intervals of
time.

13
 Figure 10. Furrow Irrigation Using Siphons
SOURCE: Brouwer, Irrigation Water Management Training Manual No. 5:
Irrigation Methods, n.d

Figure 11. Gated Pipe

SOURCE: Brouwer, Irrigation Water Management Training Manual No. 5:
Irrigation Methods, n.d

The procedure for evaluating a furrow irrigation system is shown in Annex A.

9 Bibliography

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). 2008. ASAE

EP419.1 FEB1993(R2008) Evaluation of Irrigation Furrows.

14
Booher, L.J. 1974. FAO Agricultural Development Paper 95: Surface Irrigation.

Brouwer, C. nd. Irrigation Water Management Training Manual No. 5: Irrigation

Methods.

Hart, W.E., H.G. Collins, G. Woodward and A.S. Humpherys. n.d. Design and
Operation of Gravity or Surface Systems.

Khanna, M. and H.M. Malano. 2005. Modelling of Basin irrigation systems: A

Review.

National Irrigation Administration. 1991. Irrigation Engineering Manual for

Diversified Cropping.

National Resources Conservation Service – United States Department of

Agriculture. 2012. Part 623: Irrigation – National Engineering Handbook.

Savva, A. P and K. Frenken. 2002. Irrigation Manual Volume II Module 7: Surface

Irrigation Systems: Planning, Design, Operation and Maintenance.

Walker, W.R. 1989. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 45: Guidelines for
Designing and Evaluating Surface Irrigation Systems

15
 ANNEX A
(informative)

Performance Evaluation of a Furrow Irrigation System

A.1 Materials and Equipment

 Stakes
 Steel Tape
 Timer
 Parshall Flume
 Weir
 Infiltrometer
 Profilometer - a device with individual scales on the rods to
provide data to plot furrow depth as a function of the lateral
distance where data can then be numerically integrated to develop
geometric relationships such as area verses depth, wetted
perimeter versus depth and top-width verses depth

Figure A.1. Profilometer

A.2 Site Selection

A.2.1 The test furrows shall be representative of the irrigated area.

A.2.2 The test furrows shall be of uniform furrow shape and length.

A.2.3 Tests shall be conducted during a normal irrigation period.

A.2.4 There shall be no entry and leakage of water from any other sources.

16
A.3 Test Set-up

Figure A.2. Test Set-up for Evaluating a Furrow Irigation System

A.3.1 Flow measuring devices shall be installed as close to the beginning of the
test furrows.

A.3.2 Stations shall be marked with stakes and shall be assigned at uniform
intervals such that measurements will be convenient.

A.3.3 The inlet end of the furrow shall be marked as Station 0+00.

A.4 Preliminary Measurements

A.4.1 Furrow Length – This shall be measured from the furrow intake to the
end of the furrow.

A.4.2 Furrow Slope – Any slope variation shall be recorded.

A.4.3 Furrow Spacing – This shall be measured as the distance between the
centerlines of the wetted furrows.

A.4.4 Furrow Geometry – The furrow cross-section which includes depth and
top width shall be determined using a profilometer.

A.4.5 Soil Type and Condition – The location and extent of major soil types
shall be determined

A.4.6 Soil Moisture Depletion – The soil moisture content shall be determined
prior to irrigation.

A.4.7 Type of Crop – The type of crop and cultivation practices shall be noted.

17
A.5 Test Readings and Measurement

A.5.1 Infiltration – The infiltration characteristics of the furrows shall be

determined. Various methods such as inflow-outflow measurement, double ring
infiltrometer (see Annex C), blocked furrow infiltrometer and recirculation flow
infiltrometer can be used. In general, the following conditions shall be
considered:

A.5.1.1 Infiltration tests shall be conducted as close as possible to the time

of irrigation and under representative conditions.

A.5.1.2 The furrow water depth to be used during the tests shall be as
close to the normal irrigation depth.

A.5.1.3 Infiltration characteristics shall be determined during the first, second

and another irrigation event if the system will be evaluated for an entire
cropping.

A.5.2 Inflow Rate – Inflow rates shall be determined using flumes, orifices or
weirs. The following conditions shall be considered:

A5.2.1 For relatively flat slopes where ponding may become a problem, using
flumes is recommended.

A.5.2.2 A range of stream sizes, including the normal irrigating stream size, shall
be applied to the test furrows.

A.5.2.3 Flow rates shall be measured and recorded periodically along with the
time of reading.

A.5.3 Advance Rate – The time at which the waterfront reaches each marked
station shall be recorded.

A.5.4 Runoff – The rate of runoff at each test furrow shall be recorded.

A.5.5 Wetted Cross-section – The flow depth and top width of each furrow at
each station shall also be recorded.

A.5.6 Recession – The time when inflow to the furrows ceases shall be
recorded.

A.5.7 Postirrigation Soil Water – This shall be determined one to three days
after the irrigation event.

A.5.8 A data sheet for recordings is provided in Table A.1

18
 Table A.1. Data Sheet for Furrow Irrigation Evaluation

PRELIMINARY DATA
Furrow Length
Slope
Spacing
Top Width
Depth
Soil Type
Condition
Moisture Depletion
Type of Crop

Advance Time Recession Time

Furrow, Station

Inlet Discharge

Distance from

Time Elapsed
Clock Time Clock Time
Furrow Inlet
Number

Reading elapsed Reading elapsed

Outflow
when since when since
Station is start longitudin start
Reached al water
movement
stops

19
A.6 Graphs

A.6.1 Furrow Inflow Hydrograph – Generate the furrow inflow hydrograph by

plotting the inflow to the furrow against time.

A.6.2 Runoff Hydrograph – Generate the furrow runoff hydrograph by plotting

the outflow against time.

20
A.6.3 Furrow Shape Analysis – Generate the graph of area and wetted
perimeter against furrow depth.

A.6.4 Advance and Recession Trajectory - Generate the trajectories by plotting

the advance time and recession time against distance.

A.7 Equations

A.7.1 Total volume of infiltration

𝑉𝑧 = 𝑉𝑖𝑛 − 𝑉𝑡𝑤
where:

Vz is the total volume of infiltration (m3)

Vin is the volume of inflow (m3)
Vout is the volume of runoff (m3)

21
A.7.2 Basic Intake Rate
fo = (Qin − Qout )/L
where:

fo is the basic intake rate (m3/min/m)

Qin is the flow rate into the field (m3/min)
Qout is the flow rate out of the field (m3/min)
L is the furrow length (m)

A.7.3 Advance distance

𝑥 = 𝑝𝑡𝑥𝑟

𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝐿)⁄𝑙𝑜𝑔(0.5𝐿)
𝑟=
𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑡𝐿 )⁄𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑡0.5𝐿 )

𝑝 = 𝐿/𝑡𝐿𝑟

where:

x is the advance distance (m)

tx is the time of inflow from inlet to distance x (min)
t0.5L is the time of advance to a point near one-half the field
length (min)
tL is the time of advance to the end (min)
p,r is the fitting parameters
L is the furrow length (m)

A.7.4 Area wetted

𝐴𝑥 = 33.92𝑡𝑥0.74
where:

Ax is the area wetted (m2)

tx is the time of inflow from inlet to distance x (min)

A.7.5 Flow geometry

𝑝1 𝐴𝑝2 𝑆𝑜0.5
𝑄=
𝑛
where:

Q is the discharge (m3/s)

A is the cross-sectional area of the flow (m2)
So is the slope of the hydraulic grade line, assumed equal to
the field slope
n is the Manning’s roughness coefficient
p1, p2 is the geometry parameter determined from furrow cross
section analysis (see Annex B)

22
A.7.6 Cross-Section Area of Flow at the Inlet
1⁄
𝑝1
𝑄𝑜 𝑛
𝐴𝑜 = ( )
60𝑝1 𝑆𝑜0.5
where:

Ao is the cross-section area of flow at the inlet, m2

Qo is the inlet discharge, m3/min/furrow
n is the Manning’s roughness coefficient
p1 is the geometry parameter determined from furrow cross
section analysis (see Annex B)
So is the slope of the hydraulic grade line, assumed equal to
the field slope

A.7.7 Subsurface Shape Factor

𝑎 + 𝑟(1 − 𝑎) + 1
𝑠𝑧 =
(1 + 𝑟)(1 + 𝑎)

𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑉𝐿 ⁄𝑉0.5𝐿 )
𝑎=
𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑡𝐿 ⁄𝑡0.5𝐿 )
𝑄𝑜 𝑡𝐿 𝑓𝑜 𝑡𝐿
𝑉𝐿 = − 𝑠𝑦 𝐴𝑜 −
𝐿 (1 + 𝑟)

2𝑄𝑜 𝑡0.5𝐿 𝑓𝑜 𝑡0.5𝐿

𝑉0.5𝐿 = − 𝑠𝑦 𝐴𝑜 −
𝐿 (1 + 𝑟)
where:

sz is the subsurface shape factor

r is the fitting parameter (section A.7.3)
Qo is the inlet discharge (m3/min/furrow)
tL is the time of advance to the end (min)
t0.5L is the time of advance to a point near one-half the field
length (min)
sy is the surface storage shape factor (usually 0.7 to 0.8)
Ao is the cross-section area of flow at the inlet (m2)
(section A.7.6)
fo is the basic intake rate (m3/min/m) (section A.7.2)
L is the furrow length (m)
r is the fitting parameter (section A.7.3)

23
A.7.8 Volume Balance

𝑓𝑜 𝑡𝑥
𝑄𝑜𝑡 = 𝑠𝑦 𝐴𝑜 𝑥 + 𝑠𝑧 𝑘𝑡 𝑎 𝑥 +
1+𝑟

𝑉𝐿
𝑘=
𝑠𝑧 𝑡𝐿𝑎
where:

sy is the surface storage shape factor (usually 0.7 to 0.8)

Ao is the cross-section area of flow at the inlet (m2)
x is the advance distance (m) (section A.7.3)
sz is the subsurface shape factor (section A.7.7)
t is the elapsed time since the irrigation started (min)
fo is the basic intake rate (m3/min/m) (section A.7.2)
r is the fitting parameter (section A.7.3)
VL parameter determined from section A.7.7
tL is the time of advance to the end (min)
a parameter determined from section A.7.7

A.7.9 Field Evaluated Infiltration Function

𝑍𝑖 = 𝑘[𝑡𝑟 − (𝑡𝑥 )𝑖 ]𝑎 + 𝑓𝑜 [𝑡𝑟 − (𝑡𝑥 )𝑖 ]

where:

Zi is the cumulative intake at each increment

of length i (m3/m)
k is the parameter determined from section A.7.8
a is the parameter determined from section A.7.7
tx is the recession time (min)

A.8 Evaluation

In evaluating the performance of a furrow irrigation system, the following

assumptions were considered:

 the crop root system extracts moisture from the soil uniformly with
respect to depth and location
 the infiltration function of the soil is a unique relationship between
infiltrated depth and the time water is in contact with the soil
 the objective of irrigating is to refill all of the root zone

24
A.8.1 Application Efficiency

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝐸𝑎 =
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑

𝑍𝑟𝑒𝑞 × 𝐿
𝐸𝑎 = 100 ×
𝑄𝑜 × 60 × 𝑡𝑐𝑜
where:

Ea is the application efficiency

Zreq is the soil moisture depletion measured x furrow
Spacing (m3/m)
L is the length of furrow (m)
Qo is the inlet discharge (m3/min/furrow)
tco is the cutoff time (s)

A.8.2 Tailwater Ratio

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑜𝑓𝑓
𝑇𝑊𝑅 =
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑

𝑉𝑜𝑢𝑡
𝑇𝑊𝑅 = 100 ×
𝑄𝑜 × 60 × 𝑡𝑐𝑜

where:

Vout is the runoff per furrow (m3/furrow)

Qo is the inlet discharge (m3/min/furrow)
tco is the cutoff time (s)

A.8.3 Deep Percolation Ratio

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝐷𝑃𝑅 =
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑

𝐷𝑃𝑅 = 100 − 𝐸𝑎 − 𝑇𝑊𝑅

where:

DPR is the deep percolation ratio

Ea is the application efficiency (%) (section A.8.1)
TWR is the tailwater ratio

25
 ANNEX B
(informative)

Furrow Cross-Section Analysis

B.1 Plot or develop the furrow cross section from the profilometer
measurements.

B.2 Divide the depth into equal increments.

B.3 Integrate the area and wetted perimeter and generate a table shown in
Table B.1.
Table B.1. Furrow Cross-section Data

Furrow Depth (y) Area (A) Wetted Perimeter

B.4 Select two points of furrow depth from the table and denote as y1 and y2,
while the corresponding area and wetted perimeter are A1, A2 and WP1 and WP2,
respectively.

B.5 Assume a power relation between depth and area, and depth and wetted
perimeter.
A = a1 y a2
WP = b1 y b2

B.6 At y1, A= A1, WP = WP1; at y2, A = A2, WP = WP2, then

A2 A2
a2 = log ( ) ; a1 =
A1 10a2

WP2 WP2
b2 = log ( ); b1 =
WP1 10b2

B.7 From the Manning’s formula and power relation equations,

b2
p2 = 1.667 − 0.667
a2

a11.667−p2
p1 =
b1 0.667

26
 ANNEX C
(informative)

Determination of Infiltration Rate Using Infiltrometer

Infiltration is measured by observing the fall of water within the inner cylinder
of two concentric cylinders driven vertically into the soil surface layer. The
infiltration measurement in the inner ring is the representative infiltration of the
irrigation area.

C.1 Select possible locations for 3-4 infiltrometers spread over the irrigation
area. Avoid areas with signs of unusual surface disturbance, animal burrows,
stones and others.

C.2 Drive the cylinder into the soil to a depth of approximately 15 cm by placing
a driving plate over the cylinder, or placing heavy timber on top, and using a
driving hammer. Rotate the timber every few pushes or move the hammer
equally over the surface in order to obtain a uniform and vertical penetration.

C.3 Fix a gauge (almost any type) to the inner wall of the inner cylinder so that
the changes in water level can be measured.

C.4 Fill the outer ring with water to a depth approximately the same as will be
used in the inner ring and also quickly add water to the inner cylinder till it
reaches 10 cm or 100 mm on the gauge.

C.5 Record the clock time immediately when the test begins and note the water
level on the measuring rod.

C.6 The initial infiltration will be high and therefore regular readings at short
intervals should be made in the beginning, for example every minute, after which
they can increase to 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 45 minutes, for example. The
observation frequencies should be adjusted to infiltration rates.

C.7 After a certain period, infiltration becomes more or less constant. Then the
basic infiltration rate is reached. After reading equal water lowering at equal
intervals for about 1 or 2 hours, the test can stop.

C.8 The infiltration during any time period can be calculated by subtracting the
water level measurement before filling at the end of the period from the one
after filling at the beginning of that same period.

27
 Figure C.1. Double-Ring Infiltrometer

Table C.1. Data Sheet for Infiltrometer Test

Watch Time Cumulative Water Level Infiltration Infiltration Cumulative

Reading Interval Time Reading (mm) Rate Infiltration
(hr:min) (min) (min) before after (mm/min) (mm)
filling filling
(mm) (mm)

28
 Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Development of Philippine
National Standard for Design of Basin, Border and Furrow Irrigation
Systems

Chair

Engr. Bonifacio S. Labiano

National Irrigation Administration

Members

Engr. Felimar M. Torizo Dr. Teresita S. Sandoval

Board of Agricultural Engineering Bureau of Soils and Water Management
Professional Regulation Commission Department of Agriculture

Dr. Armando N. Espino Jr. Dr. Elmer D. Castillo

Central Luzon State University Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers

Dr. Roger A. Luyun Jr. Engr. Francia M. Macalintal

University of the Philippines Los Baños Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries
Department of Agriculture

Project Managers

Engr. Darwin C. Aranguren

Engr. Romulo E. Eusebio

Engr. Mary Louise P. Pascual

Engr. Fidelina T. Flores

Engr. Marie Jehosa B. Reyes

Ms. Micah L. Araño

Ms. Caroline D. Lat

Mr. Gerald S. Trinidad

University of the Philippines Los Baños –

Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center