Furrow fertigation simulation model, calibration, validation and application

Abstract

Furrow fertigation can be an advantageous practice over traditional methods for fertilizer application. Fertigation efficiency and uniformity are tightly related to irrigation water efficiency and uniformity. This work presents a simulation model of furrow fertigation that was calibrated and validated with experimental data. The model predicts water flow and solute transport throughout Saint-Venant and advection-dispersion equations. Values for the three semi-empirical parameters of the model were obtained through a calibration process. The model can reproduce water advance times, flow depths and fertilizer hydrodynamics adequately, particularly for medium and large irrigation discharges.