JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

Accurate design of drip irrigation systems requires sufficient understanding of horizontally and vertically distribution of water flow in soil and modeling the wetting pattern dimensions created under the drip source. Field and laboratory activities are not suitable for this purpose considering their time and financial constraints and it is necessary to apply accurate software for determination of several equations in different situations. This research aimed to present simple models for calculation of wetting pattern dimensions in different discharges and structures in drip irrigation system. For this purpose, HYDRUS-2D model was implemented for four discharges in the same soil texture and different soil textures in the same discharge. The values obtained from running the software such as depth and maximum diameter of wetting pattern have been fitted with time values and corresponding equations were obtained. The results of statistical indices for all obtained equations (R>0.96, RMSE<2.12 and MAD<1.38) represent suitable accuracy of corresponding equations in determination of pattern dimensions under the drip source. The results also showed that Loamy Sand and Silt textures, respectively, have maximum and minimum depth and wetting pattern diameter.