ADDIS ABABA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOTECHNOLOGY (AAIT)
SCHOOL OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING (SCEE)
COURSE: IRRIGATION ENGINEERING
SECTION: TWO
GROUP PROJECT: surface irrigation design
Name ID
Tedy Yideg-----------------------------------------------UGR/6180/13
Hailemichael Shibabaw-------------------------------UGR/7794/13
Gelagay Getahun---------------------------------------UGR/1278/13
Mastewal Yeshiwas------------------------------------UGR/4275/13
Melaku Wale --------------------------------------------UGR/8122/13
Tsion Semereab-----------------------------------------UGR/8841/13
Kerima Adem--------------------------------------------UGR/2725/12
SUBMITTED TO: Mr. Taddese
SUBMISSION DATE: DEC, 2024
Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Irrigation in Ethiopia ............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Objectives of project .............................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Location of Megechi irrigation and other characteristics ...................................................... 2
2. DATAS AND CROP SELECTION...................................................................................... 4
2.1 Area ....................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Calculation methods and data’s ............................................................................................. 5
2.3 Weather Data Table ............................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Monthly rain condition ......................................................................................................... 7
2.5 Crop data ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.6 Soil data ................................................................................................................................ 9
3. RESULT AND ANALYSIS ............................................................................................... 10
3.1 Irrigation Scheduling ........................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Depth of irrigation (d): ........................................................................................................ 11
3.3 Interval of irrigation (i): ....................................................................................................... 12
3.4 Irrigation efficiency ............................................................................................................. 13
3.5 Calculation for Duty Delta .................................................................................................. 14
4. FURROW IRRIGATION DESIGN .................................................................................... 15
4.1 Slope .................................................................................................................................... 15
4.2 Compute the maximum non erosive discharge .................................................................... 16
4.3 The adjusted wetted perimeter in given by the following equation; ................................... 17
4.4 Advanced Time ................................................................................................................... 18
4.5 cut-off time .......................................................................................................................... 18
4.6 Distribution efficiency, Ed .................................................................................................. 21
REFERENCE................................................................................................................................. 22
1. Introduction
1.1 Irrigation in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is noted for having abundant surface and ground water resources, earning it the
nickname "the water tower of East Africa." A large number of lakes, dams, and reservoirs may also
be found throughout Ethiopia's diverse regions. Estimates of Ethiopia's irrigation potential vary
from one scholar to the next. Its smallholder rainfed-based farming system would not be able to fill
the food requirements of the country due to spatial and temporal rainfall variability, land
degradation, fertility depletion and climate change effects Soil moisture stress due to longer dry
spells, shorter rainy seasons and sometimes a total lack of rain are among the main reasons of crop
failure in rainfed Ethiopian farming practices.
Irrigation is the science of artificial application of water to the land, in accordance with the
crop requirements throughout the crop period for full nourishment of the crops. It was a key factor
in state formation and urban development in the ancient civilization of Ethiopia, found non-
sufficient information regardless of water managements of rain-fed agriculture. However, In
Ethiopia, traditional irrigation was practiced before centuries (Bekele et al., 2012). Moreover, in the
highlands of Ethiopia, irrigation practices have long been in use since ancient times for producing
subsistence food crops.
Modern irrigation, however, was started in the early 1950’s by the bilateral agreement
between the government of Ethiopia and the Dutch company jointly known as HVA-Ethiopia sugar
cane plantation. Most of the traditional irrigated lands in Ethiopia are dominantly supplied by
surface water sources, while ground water uses has just been started on a pilot basis in the East
Amhara region. According to MoA, (2011a) pressurized sprinkler irrigation system was once
practiced in Fincha State Farm, Eastern Amhara, Southern Tigray and on some private farms in the
Rift Valley. The Rift Valley is a place where modern irrigation in Ethiopia starts especially in the
Awash River Basin at which adoption of pump-irrigation commences. This was due to taking an
advantage of the construction of Koka dam aimed as a reservoir irrigation water supply, flood
control and hydropower generation.
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According to the Ministry of Agriculture, in Ethiopia, there were modern water storage and
water management systems for irrigation purposes. This includes water diversion schemes, water
storage dams, micro irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting and shallow groundwater harvesting
techniques. These systems make use of different water drawing irrigation technologies for lifting,
conveying and applying irrigation water for irrigation uses. Night water storage facilities, Treadle
pumps for lifting water, smallholder drip systems and micro sprinklers for irrigation application are
used among others (MoA, 2011a).
1.2 Objectives of project
The main objectives of the project are the following points:
➢ Students learn the basic principles of irrigation systems, including water
requirements for different crops, soil-water relationships, and climate factors.
➢ The project helps students develop technical skills in designing irrigation systems,
including selecting appropriate methods (e.g., drip, sprinkler, surface) and
calculating water needs.
➢ Students engage in problem-solving by analyzing case studies, addressing
challenges related to water availability, efficiency, and sustainability.
➢ Students apply theoretical knowledge from their coursework to real-world
scenarios, reinforcing their understanding and ability to implement effective
irrigation solutions.
➢ Emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices, students learn to design
systems that minimize water waste and environmental impact.
➢ Students gain experience in planning, managing time, and executing a project
from start to finish, simulating professional practices in the field
1.3 Location of Megechi irrigation and other characteristics
The project area is located in Amhara region, North Gondar, Denbia Woreda between latitude
11o36” N and longitude 37o23” E.
Traditional agricultural activities, both livestock‟s and crop production, are practiced in the
project area. Crop production is mainly depending on the availability of the adequate rainfall,
however, due to insufficient and fluctuating rainfall, the production is unreliable.The project area
is characterized by broad and flat flood plains with slope less than 2 %, old bench farming
terrace and low to high relief basaltic hills with steep to moderately steep slope.
The Megech River is a significant tributary of the Blue Nile in Ethiopia, located in the Amhara
Region. It originates from the highlands and flows through fertile agricultural areas, making it a
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vital water source for local communities. The river plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture,
particularly in the regions surrounding Bahir Dar and Lake Tana.The Megech River's watershed
is characterized by diverse ecosystems and is pivotal for both farming and fishing activities.
However, like many rivers in Ethiopia, it faces challenges such as climate variability,
deforestation, and soil erosion, which can impact the agricultural productivity of the region.
Several projects have been initiated to harness the water resources of the Megech River for
irrigation and agricultural development:
➢ Megech Dam (Early 2000): Constructed to enhance water supply for irrigation,
manage flood risks, and provide water for domestic use.
➢ Megech Seraba Irrigation Project (2017): Aimed at providing reliable irrigation to
boost agricultural productivity in the surrounding areas.
➢ Megech Irrigation Project ( Early 2000): Focuses on improving irrigation
infrastructure for local farmers.
➢ Bahir Dar Region Irrigation Projects (early 2000s):Includes multiple small-scale
irrigation initiatives designed to support local agriculture.
➢ Integrated Watershed Management Projects(2010s):Focuses on the sustainable
management of water resources in the Megech River basin, including soil
conservation and reforestation efforts.
Fig. 1 Irrigation area of megechi
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2. DATAS AND CROP SELECTION
The irrigation practices in Megechi allow for multiple cropping seasons, enhancing agricultural
productivity in the region. The specific crops can vary based on seasonal conditions and market
demand. its irrigation area in Ethiopia is known for producing a variety of crops due to its
favorable irrigation conditions. The types of crops commonly grown in this region include:
Cereals: o Potatoes
Vegetables:
➢ Maize (corn) o Onions
➢ Teff o Tomatoes
➢ Wheat o Carrots
➢ Barley o Cabbage
Fruits:
Root and Tuber Crops: o Bananas
o Papayas
2.1 Area
We were commanded to work by taking the area as the summation of average of our .
1. Tedy Yideg…………………………………........…. UGR/6180/13
2. Melaku Wale…………………………………...........UGR/8122/13
3. Hailemickael Shibabaw……………………………. UGR/7794/13
4. Tsion Semereab ..........................................................UGR/8841/13
5. GelagayGetahun……………………………………. UGR/1278/13
6. Mastewal yeshiwas…………….……………………. UGR/4275/13
7. Kerima Adem………………………………………. UGR/2725/12
∑ 𝑰𝒅 𝒏𝒐.>𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎 ∑ 𝑰𝑫 𝒏𝒐.<𝟓𝟎𝟎𝟎
Area= +
𝒏 𝒏
(𝟔𝟏𝟖𝟎+𝟖𝟏𝟐𝟐+𝟕𝟕𝟗𝟒+𝟖𝟖𝟒𝟏) (𝟏𝟐𝟕𝟖+𝟒𝟐𝟕𝟓+𝟐𝟕𝟐𝟓)
Area= +
𝟒 𝟑
Area=10493.6 hectors area
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2.2 Calculation methods and data’s
The choice of method primarily depends on the type of climatic data available and on the
accuracy required in determining the water need. So the software we used that is CLAMEWAT
give us the data like temperature, humidity, wind and sunshine duration so that we can use
modified penman method to calculate evapotranspiration or use CROPWAT 8.0 to calculate it
The Modified-Penman method offers the best results with minimum possible errors of – 10% in
summer and up to 20% under low evaporative conditions. For areas such as Adwa where
measured data on temperature, humidity, wind and sunshine duration or radiation are available,
an adaptation of the Penman method provides the most reasonable results. The original Penman
equation predicts evaporation losses from an open water surface (Eo.). Experimentally
determined crop coefficients are used to determine ET of crops.
The modified penman equation is ,
ETo = c ( W.Rn + (1 – W) * f(u). (ea – ed))
Radiation Aerodynamic term term
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2.3 Weather Data Table
Country: Location 17 latitude: 12.55 °N
Station: GONDAR longitude: 37.41 °
Altitude: 1967 m
From CROPWAT 8.0 we can get monthly evapotranspiration (ET0)
Month Min Max Humidity Wind Sun Rad ETo
Temp Temp (%) (km/day) (hours) (MJ/m²/day) (mm/day)
(°C) (°C)
January 11.1 27.2 31 164 9.0 19.9 4.69
February 12.3 28.0 31 164 9.4 22.0 5.16
March 14.2 29.1 26 147 9.3 23.3 5.50
April 15.1 29.1 32 130 8.5 22.7 5.34
May 14.9 27.7 43 164 6.9 20.0 5.10
June 13.3 25.0 61 164 6.7 19.3 4.32
July 12.7 22.7 73 104 2.4 13.0 2.88
August 12.1 22.5 74 86 2.3 12.9 2.73
September 12.2 24.4 61 104 6.8 19.5 3.89
October 11.6 25.7 42 138 9.1 21.8 4.59
November 11.5 26.4 35 138 9.5 20.8 4.45
December 11.2 26.6 39 121 9.2 19.6 4.04
Average 12.7 26.2 46 135 7.4 19.6 4.39
table: 1 whether data table
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2.4 Monthly rain condition
Station Gondar
calculation method formula condition
fixed percentage (80%) 80%p
dependable rain (FAO) 0.6 × 𝑃 − 10/3 for P≤70/3
0.8 × 𝑃 − 24/3 for P>70/3
Empirical formula 0.5 × 𝑝 − 5/3 for P≤50/3
0.7 × 𝑃 + 20/3 for P>50/3
USDA soil conversion 𝑃(125 − 0.6 × 𝑃)/125
for P≤250/3
service
125
+ 0.1 × 𝑃
3
for P>250/3
Rain Eto fixed Eto dependable Eto Empirical Eto USDA
January 5 4 0 0 4.88
February 4 3.2 0 0 3.9232
March 19 15.2 1.4 2.6 17.2672
April 34 27.2 10.4 8.6 28.4512
May 87 69.6 45.6 75.68 50.6688
June 151 120.8 96.8 116.64 41.5552
July 311 248.8 224.8 219.04 0
August 279 223.2 199.2 198.56 0
September 116 92.8 68.8 94.24 51.4112
October 56 44.8 23.6 17.4 40.9472
November 24 19.2 4.4 4.6 21.2352
December 9 7.2 0 0 8.6112
Total 1095 876 675 737.36 268.9504
Table 2: monthly rain conditions
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2.5 Crop data
The chosen crops for irrigation are wheat. The results of the above crop listed below in tabular
format according to the temperature, soil type, vapor pressure, precipitation and sunshine
duration of the irrigated place.
Why we choose wheat: climate adaption: wheat thrives in the moderate temperature and s
seasonal rainfall patterns often found in regions with red loamy soils
High market demand and also wheat requires moderate water compared to other crops.
Fig2: crop data
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2.6 Soil data
The soil in Gondar, Ethiopia is predominantly red loam soil, which are Clay-rich soils
Other soil data’s are:
Fig3: soil data
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3. RESULT AND ANALYSIS
CROP WATER REQUIRMENT OF WHEAT
Table 3:- Calculation on crop water requirement CWR of wheat
At Fixed Interval: irrigation is applied at fixed interval per stage and it refills soil to field
capacity. Field efficiency is considered as 70%. The above table shows computation of Irrigation
scheduling. As per irrigation scheduling carried out by CROPWAT it shows that gross irrigation
requirement is 452.1 mm and net irrigation requirement is 316.5 mm. The numbers of Irrigation
and are presented.
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3.1 Irrigation Scheduling
Scheduling of irrigation application is very important for successive plant growth and maturity.
Water is not applied randomly at any time and in any quantity. Irrigation scheduling is the
schedule in which water is applied to the field. It is an important aspect of an efficient operation
of an irrigation system. The scheduling of irrigation can be field irrigation scheduling and field
irrigation supply schedules. Field irrigation Scheduling This scheduling of irrigation is done at
field level. The two scheduling parameters of field irrigation scheduling are the depth of
irrigation and interval of irrigation.
Fig 4: irrigation scheduling
3.2 Depth of irrigation (d):
This is the depth of irrigation water that is to be applied at one irrigation. It is the depth of
water that can be retained in the crop root zone b/n the field capacity and the given depletion of
the available moisture content. All the water retained in the soil b/n FC and PWP is not readily
available to crops. The readily available moisture is only some percentage of the total available
moisture. Thus, depth of irrigation is the readily available portion of the soil moisture. The depth
of irrigation (d) is given by:
d (net) = As *D *(FC – PWP) *P, m
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Where As = Apparent specific gravity of FC = water content of soil at FC
soil PWP = Water content of soil at PWP
D = Effective root zone depth in m P = depletion factor
d(net)=NIR (Calculated the above table)
3.3 Interval of irrigation (i):
𝑁𝐼𝑅
i (days) = 𝐸𝑇𝑜
month Dec. stag Kc ETc NIR ETo Irrigation interval
Nov. 2 int 0.3 5.3 2.4 1.59 1.5
Nov. 3 int 0.3 12.9 8.3 3.87 2.1 1.5 day
Dec. 1 int 0.3 12.3 8.9 3.69 2.4
Dec. 2 Deve 0.33 12.9 10.9 4.26 2.55
Dec. 3 Deve 0.57 27.2 25.4 15.5 1.6 1 day
Jan. 1 Deve 0.89 40 38.3 35.6 1
Jan. 2 mid 1.14 53.5 52.2 60.99 0.8
Jan. 3 mid 1.17 62.3 61.1 72.89 0.8
Feb. 1 mid 1.17 58.4 57.6 68.33 0.8 19 hours
Feb. 2 mid 1.17 60.2 59.7 70.43 0.8
Feb. 3 late 1.13 47.7 45.7 53.9 0.8
Mar. 1 late 0.89 48.1 44.4 42.81 1
Mar. 2 late 0.6 33.2 28.2 19.92 1.4 1 days
Mar. 3 late 0.37 12.2 9 4.5 2
Table 4: interval of irrigation
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3.4 Irrigation efficiency
Can be changed according to the field efficiency values (at the beginning it is 70%).
Table 5 Computation of Irrigation scheduling
Crop pattern for wheat
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From crop water of wheat, we can calculate the amount of water required or needed over the year
Table 6: crop pattern and quantity of water required
l/s 5876.416 7030.7 3148.08 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 314.808 1678.976
Quantity Sum=46.78Mm^3
of of
water
(Mm^3) 15.23167 18.224 8.1598234 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.815982 4.351906
3.5 Calculation for Duty Delta
Delta (Δ): is the total depth of water applied to the crop during the entire base period and expressed
by meter, m. If the entire quantity of applied water is spread uniformly on the land surface, the
depth of water will be equal to delta. In order to determine required discharge of irrigation water,
daily water requirement of the crop can be taken as a delta.
46.78∗1000000
∆= = 0.445m
10493.6∗10000
Base period
Base period is the time between the first watering of crop and the last watering of crop and practically,
the same as crop period.
B=130days
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4. FURROW IRRIGATION DESIGN
we use furrow irrigation for wheat in RED LOMEY:
• Efficient water delivery
• Water retention
• Erosion control
• Cost effective
4.1 Slope
Soil Type Optimum Slope (%)
Sand 0.5
Sandy Loam 0.4
Loam 0.3
Silt Loam 0.2
Clay Loam 0.1
Clay 0.05
Form the table above our soil type which is clay loam the optimum slope is
0.1%. By using following parameters, we design the furrow channel:
• Intake family, IF = 0.1(clay)
• slope, S= 0.001 m/m
• Roughness coefficient, n = 0.04 (recommended value for furrow irrigation)
• Furrow spacing= 0.8 m recommended value (0.75-1.2m)
• Total irrigation area= 10493.6 ha
• Furrow length, L=1000m
• For design Efficient trapezoidal Canal cross section will be used
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4.2 Compute the maximum non erosive discharge
To maintain proper furrow shape and reduce sediment loss from the head of the field and
deposition at the tail of the field or adjacent water way, it is desirable to operate the furrow
at a velocity that is non erosive.
The net irrigation requirement from the analysis of crop water requirement gives
(in = 61.1 mm/dec)
The empirical relation developed by USDA-SCS for the maximum non-erosive stream size is
𝑄𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑐/𝑠,
Where :
S = ground slope down the furrow in %
C = empirical constant = 0.6l/s
Qmax = 0.6l/s / 0.1
Qmax = 6 l/s
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4.3 The adjusted wetted perimeter in given by the following equation;
P= 0.265(𝑄𝑛/√𝑠)^0.425 + 0.227
Where;
■ Q = volumetric inflow rate, 𝑙/𝑠
■ n = Manning’s roughness coefficient
■ S = furrow slope or hydraulic gradient, m/m
By assuming the values of Q. this Q must less than the Qmax determine from requirement of non-
erosive flow.
-Assuming Q=4 l/s
- Adjusted wetted perimeter, P
P = 0.265 (4* 0.04 / sqrt(0.001))^0.425 + 0.227
P = 0.755 m
The required average depth of infiltration for a furrow system must be expressed as an equivalent
depth over the total field area. Infiltration depth is given by:
iave = (atb + c) *(P/w)
Where:
■ a, b, c are intake family coefficients
■ t = time, min
■ W = furrow spacing, m
■ p = adjusted wetted perimeter, m
For Intake family (IF = 0.1)
a = 0.6198
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b = 0.661
c = 7.0
f = 7.25
g = 1.251 * 10^ (-4)
4.4 Advanced Time
The advance time for stream of water moving down the furrow is given by;
𝒈𝒙
𝒙
Tt = ∗ 𝒆𝑸√𝒔
𝒇
Where:
Tt = advance time, mi
x = distance down the furrow, m
f = advance coefficient
g = advance coefficient
Q= volumetric inflow rate, l/s
S = furrow slope, m/m
Therefore, Advanced Time
1.251∗10−4 ∗1000
1000
Tt = ∗ 𝑒 4√0.001
7.25
Tt = 370.84 min
4.5 cut-off time
The cut-off time, Tco, reflects an irrigation management decision made by the farmer and
designer. It should be an adequate length of time to infiltrate a satisfaction depth of water over the
length of the furrow without causing excessive deep percolation. Tco is normally set equal to the
time to advance to the end of the furrow plus the required net infiltration time less recession time
𝑇𝑐𝑜 = 𝑇𝑛 + 𝑇𝑡 − 𝑇𝑟
Where; Tr is the recession time which is assumed to be Zero for open-ended gradient furrows (i.e.
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for furrows whose slope is not equal to zero) without loss of accuracy.
𝑇𝑐𝑜 = 𝑇𝑛 + 𝑇𝑡
Letting in equal the desired net depth of infiltration the desired net depth of infiltration, the
net infiltration time is determined by;
1
𝑤
𝑖𝑛∗ −𝐶 𝑏
𝑝
Tn = [ ]
𝑎
1
0.8
61.1∗ −7 0.661
0.755
Tn = [ ]
0.6198
Tn = 953.192 min
𝑇𝑐𝑜 = 𝑇𝑛 + 𝑇𝑡 where: Tco - Time to cutoff, min
Tn - Net infiltration time, min
Tt – Advanced time, min
Tco = 953.192 + 370.84 min
Tco = 1324 min
Gross application depth, Ig
𝑖𝑛 60∗𝑄∗𝑇𝑐𝑜 60∗4∗1324
Ig =𝐸𝑑 = =
𝑊∗𝐿 0.8∗1000
Ig = 397.2 mm
𝑔∗𝑥
β = 𝑄∗√𝑆 = 0.989
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β = 0.989
Tave = 1329.71 min
Average infiltration, iavg
iavg = (aTavgb + c) *(P/w)
0.755
Iavg = (0.6198*1329.71^0.661 + 7) * ( )
0.8
iavg = 74.5 mm
Surface runoff, dro
dro = Ig - Iavg
dro = 397.2 mm - 74.5 mm
dro = 322.7mm
Deep percolation depth, Ddp
Ddp = iavg -in
Ddp = 74.5 mm – 61.1 mm
Ddp = 13.4 mm
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4.6 Distribution efficiency, Ed
𝑖𝑛
Ed = ∗ 100
𝑖𝑔
61.1
Ed = 397.2 ∗ 100% = 15.4%
Similarly for different stages of the plant we need to calculate or redesign time to cut off,
average infiltration time, average infiltration, surface runoff, deep percolation and distribution
efficiency since every stage has different infiltration depth value.
So, we summarize the values down below as shown
Inet
Stage (max) Tn(min) Tco(min) Ig(mm) Tavg(min) Iavg(mm) dro(mm) ddp(mm) Ed(%)
1 8.9 7.90 378.74 113.62 384.46 36.51 77.12 27.61 7.8
2 38.3 419.85 790.69 237.21 796.40 55.00 182.21 16.70 16.1
3 61.1 953.19 1324.03 397.21 1329.75 74.51 322.70 13.41 15.4
4 44.4 547.96 918.80 275.64 924.51 60.01 215.63 15.61 16.1
The efficiency of this furrow irrigation can be affected by factors such as soil type, slope of
the field, furrow design, irrigation management practices, and the crop's water requirements.
To improve the efficiency of furrow irrigation, several strategies can be implemented. These
include:
1. Optimizing furrow design: Properly designed furrows with appropriate dimensions and
slopes can enhance water distribution and reduce losses due to runoff.
2. Implementing irrigation scheduling: Applying the right amount of water at the right time
based on crop needs can minimize water losses and improve overall efficiency.
3. Using irrigation technologies: Installing devices such as flow meters, moisture sensors, and
automated control systems can help monitor and manage water application more precisely,
leading to improved efficiency.
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REFERENCE
• Agriculture and Food. (n.d.). Retrieved from Department of
primary industries and Regional Development
• FAO. (n.d.). Crop Evapotranspiration. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper.
• CLIMWAT 2.0 software
• Teaching materials
• CROPWAT 8.0 software
• Google earth pro
• QGIS software
• Research documents
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