SWAT Literature Database for Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Title:Hydrologic modeling of a canal-irrigated agricultural watershed with irrigation best management practices: Case study 
Authors:Kannan, N., J. Jeong and R. Srinivasan 
Year:2011 
Journal:Journal of Hydrologic Engineering 
Volume (Issue):16(9) 
Pages:746-757 
Article ID: 
DOI:10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000364 
URL (non-DOI journals): 
Model:SWAT 
Broad Application Category:hydrologic only 
Primary Application Category:irrigation impacts or irrigation BMP scenarios 
Secondary Application Category:calibration, sensitivity, and/or uncertainty analysis 
Watershed Description:1,692 km^2 Arroyo Colorado in southern Texas, U.S. 
Calibration Summary: 
Validation Summary: 
General Comments: 
Abstract:Simulating irrigation systems by accounting for various water loss rates is necessary while modeling the hydrology of cultivated canal-irrigated watersheds. The existing approaches to modeling canal irrigation use situation-specific optimization procedures. In addition, they are focused on a water management perspective rather than a hydrologic perspective. In this study, an approach is developed to model canal irrigation systems and irrigation best management practices (BMPs) to adequately simulate the water balance of irrigated watersheds. The approach is based on the water requirement of crops, number and frequency of irrigation, and critical crop water requirement stages. Two irrigation BMPs are modeled as water savers rather than physical changes in irrigation appurtenances. Land leveling is modeled by changing model parameters and water management by changes in frequency, timing, and magnitude of irrigation with respect to cumulative precipitation. The developed approach was tested with a 1,692 km^2 intensively cultivated, canal-irrigated watershed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Test results suggest that the approach captures water balance and observed runoff hydrograph of the study area adequately. 
Language:English 
Keywords:Irrigation; Best management practice; Water management; Streamflow; Canals; Hydrology