Employing Data Mining Algorithms and Mathematical Empirical Models for Predicting Wind Drift and Evaporation Losses of a Sprinkler Irrigation Method

Abstract

The advantage of a sprinkler irrigation method is that it saves up to 50% of water consumption during the application of water, as compared to any other surface irrigation system. To assess the behavior of a sprinkler irrigation method, wind drift and evaporation losses (WDEL) are often employed as important parameters. The predictive capacities of four previous mathematical empirical models and two data mining algorithms, namely, reduced-error pruning tree (REPTree) and artificial neural network (ANN) models, were employed to evaluate the impact of the operating parameters of a sprinkler irrigation method on WDEL. The inputs to the REPTree and ANN models were the working pressure, vapor pressure deficit, air temperature, wind speed, nozzle diameter, and air relative humidity. In the experimental field, for data collection, a solid set of sprinklers and collectors positioned per ASAE standards was employed. Promising results showed remarkable performance for one of the mathematical empirical models tested, with a confidence index value of 0.829. Meanwhile, the REPTree and ANN models presented smaller errors for testing data set and are qualified for use given their confidence index values of 0.956 and 0.964, respectively. The REPTree and ANN algorithms were classified as optimal models, indicating that the use of mathematical experimental models alone is inadequate in operational situations involving the nozzle diameter, working pressure, and other variables.

Estimation of Wind Drift and Evaporation Losses of Sprinkler Irrigation Systems Using Dimensional Analysis

“…3, they used a maximum of 22% of the influential parameters in their equations to estimate WDEL. In a recent development, Al-Dosary et al (2023) used data mining algorithms and mathematical empirical models to estimate WDEL. Their approach was successful to estimate WDEL in their 16-observations data set, but did not produce an explicit equation for general use out of a neural network environment.…”

“…Different measurement techniques, analytical and numerical approaches have been used to determine WDEL in various types of sprinkler irrigation systems and under different climatic conditions (Al-Dosary et al, 2023;Maroufpoor et al, 2018;Mohamed et al, 2021;Playán et al, 2005;Sarwar et al, 2021;Smith and Uddin, 2020;Tarjuelo et al, 2000). These techniques have included standard catch can tests, a number of indirect methods (such as the electrical conductivity method or the use of conservative tracers) and mechanistic, physically based mathematical methods (King et al, 2012;Sadeghi et al, 2015;Sarwar et al, 2021).…”

Climate Change Impact on Groundwater-Based Livelihood in Soan River Basin of Pakistan (South Asia) Based on the Perception of Local Farmers

“…Due to scanty rainfall, different irrigation systems have been used for centuries to combat this aridity issue. The irrigation systems and their patterns vary from region to region due to geographical, social, economic, and political factors [1][2][3][4]. Before the Persian wheel method, irrigation was inefficient in south Asia.…”