Engineering Commons^™

Tracking Perfluoroalkyl Substances From Wastewater Influent To Its Accumulation In Vegetables And Forage Grass, Simon Kozik

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Per and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of chemicals that are persistent in the environment. PFAS was found in wastewater, which can be used after wastewater treatment for irrigation water, and in the biosolids that can be mixed with soils to provide nutrients and generally improve soil quality. This study found when wastewater was used it increases the level of PFAS in vegetables and forage grass. PFAS concentrations were tracked from the influent of the wastewater treatment plant to the effluent, to the irrigation water, to the soil, and finally into the vegetable and forage grass grown on …

Estimating Seasonal Crop Water Consumption In Irrigated Lands Using Soil Moisture And Reference Evapotranspiration, Oliver Henry Hargreaves

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The increase in population and the megadrought that the American west has been experiencing for the past two decades and for the foreseeable future are the cause of great stress on the region’s water resources. In an effort to mitigate the worst effects of water shortages many public and private agencies have been pursuing ways to reduce water use while maintaining the current status quo of living standards, industrial productivity, and agricultural yield. This project aims to study water use in irrigated lands dedicated to agriculture with the objective of quantifying crop water use, often referred to as evapotranspiration (ET), …

Factors Affecting United States Geological Survey Irrigation Freshwater Withdrawal Estimates In Utah, J. Levi Manley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Utah is, on average, one of the driest states in the United States, second only to Nevada, and drier conditions are projected. Irrigation is the largest water user in the state, representing about 80% of the total freshwater withdrawn each year. Withdrawals are obtained from sources like reservoirs or streams, or underground water from wells and springs, and supplied for use. The United States Geological Survey, a reputable federal science agency, has provided irrigation freshwater withdrawal estimates every five years since 1950. Understanding what factors affect irrigation withdrawals can better inform water resource planning to reduce withdrawals and conserve surface …

Restoring Lake Urmia: Moving Beyond A Uniform Lake Level (2-Page Summary), Somayeh Sima, Dory Rosenberg, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh, Sarah E. Null, Karin M. Kettenring

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

More than 5 million people live near Lake Urmia in northwestern Iran, one of the world's largest hypersaline lakes. Over the past two decades, the lake has lost 95% of its volume, lake level has dropped more than 7 m, and lake restoration has gained widespread interest. The government seeks a uniform "ecological" target lake level of 1274.1 m above sea level to lower salinity below 240 gL^-1 and recover brine shrimp (Artemia spp.) and flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus).

We have synthesized over 40 years of available data, defined 8 ecosystem services for human health, water quality, ecology, recreation, and …

Analyzing Irrigation District Water Productivity By Benchmarking Current Operations Using Remote Sensing And Simulation Of Alternative Water Delivery Scenarios, Jonna D. Van Opstal

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The competition for fresh water is vastly increasing particularly in semi-arid areas. Agricultural irrigation areas are urged to decrease their water use, being the largest consumer of fresh water in these areas. Improvements in irrigation management aim at increasing crop production whilst maintaining or decreasing water use. The analysis of water productivity at the irrigation district scale is challenging due to spatial heterogeneity between fields and temporal variability between growing seasons.

This dissertation makes use of satellite-based remote sensing imagery and an irrigation system simulation model to determine the water management at different spatial scales from field scale to the …

Estimation Of Surface Soil Moisture In Irrigated Lands By Assimilation Of Landsat Vegetation Indices, Surface Energy Balance Products, And Relevance Vector Machines, Alfonso F. Torres-Rua, Andres M. Ticlavilca, Roula Bachour, Mac Mckee

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Spatial surface soil moisture can be an important indicator of crop conditions on farmland, but its continuous estimation remains challenging due to coarse spatial and temporal resolution of existing remotely-sensed products. Furthermore, while preceding research on soil moisture using remote sensing (surface energy balance, weather parameters, and vegetation indices) has demonstrated a relationship between these factors and soil moisture, practical continuous spatial quantification of the latter is still unavailable for use in water and agricultural management. In this study, a methodology is presented to estimate volumetric surface soil moisture by statistical selection from potential predictors that include vegetation indices and …

Evapotranspiration Modeling And Forecasting For Efficient Management Of Irrigation Command Areas, Roula Bachour

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It has become very crucial to manage water resources to meet the needs of the growing population. In irrigation command areas, and in order to build a better plan to manage service delivery from canals and reservoirs, it is important to build appropriate knowledge of water needs on a field basis. There is often a lag between the order and delivery of water to the field. Knowledge of the crop water requirement at the field level helps the decision maker to make the right choices leading to more efficient handling of the available water. The purpose of this study was …

Nutrient Contribution Of The Shallow Unconfined Aquifer To Pineview Reservoir, Thomas Nyanda Reuben

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Pineview Reservoir, near Utah’s populous Wasatch Front, could play an important role in modulating water supply as water demands and water uses change in response to increasing population densities. The reservoir’s water quality may decline if nitrogen and phosphorus additions to the reservoir are not controlled. Most of the water flowing into the reservoir in summer and fall is contributed by the shallow ground water. The quantity and quality of the shallow ground water to Pineview Reservoir were studied from February 2010 through November 2011. The objectives were to: 1) increase understanding of nitrogen and phosphorus transport from ground water …

Analysis Of Irrigation Decision Behavior And Forecasting Future Irrigation Decisions, Sanyogita Andriyas

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Farmers play a pivotal role in food production. To be economically successful, farmers must make many decisions during the course of a growing season about the allocation of inputs to production. For farmers in arid regions, one of these decisions on any given day is whether to irrigate. This research is the first of its kind to investigate the probable reasons that lead a farmer to make irrigation decisions and use those reasons/factors to forecast future irrigation decisions. This study can help water managers and canal operators to estimate short-term irrigation demands, thereby gaining information that might be useful to …

Estimation Of Field Alfalfa Evapotranspiration In A Windy, Arid Environment, J. Burdette Barker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Evapotranspiration (ET) of center pivot irrigated alfalfa was studied in the windy, arid, Curlew Valley, Northern Box Elder County, Utah, during the summers of 2009 and 2010. ET was estimated using eddy covariance (EC) and surface renewal (SR) techniques. ET estimates from the EC and SR analyses were compared with estimates using ASCE Standardized Reference ET Equation, with both dual and mean crop coefficients.

EC energy balance closure was 0.80, on average, in 2009 and 0.76 in 2010. The SR weighting parameter (α) was calculated through linear regression of EC and SR sensible heat flux estimates. Alpha was found to …

Multivariate Bayesian Machine Learning Regression For Operation And Management Of Multiple Reservoir, Irrigation Canal, And River Systems, Andres M. Ticlavilca

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The principal objective of this dissertation is to develop Bayesian machine learning models for multiple reservoir, irrigation canal, and river system operation and management. These types of models are derived from the emerging area of machine learning theory; they are characterized by their ability to capture the underlying physics of the system simply by examination of the measured system inputs and outputs. They can be used to provide probabilistic predictions of system behavior using only historical data. The models were developed in the form of a multivariate relevance vector machine (MVRVM) that is based on a sparse Bayesian learning machine …

Final Report For Irrigation Water Quality Monitoring Of The Jordan River, 2008, Richard C. Peralta, Bassel Timani

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The goal of the Jordan River Water Quality Project is to assess the quality of irrigation water removed from the Jordan River at three diversion locations: Jordan Narrows (JN), Cahoon and Maxfield (CM), and Jordan & Salt Lake Canal (JSLC). During 2008, Salt Lake City Corporation personnel took water samples on 12 dates from April 18 to September 25, 2008. Utah State University Analytical Laboratories (USUAL), an EPAcertified laboratory, performed water analyses on the samples. USUAL is located at Utah State University (USU) in Logan, Utah.

Systematic Framework For Evaluating Treated Wastewater Usage In Agricultural Irrigation, Yasser Kamal Nazzal

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A general systematic framework with several sub-frameworks was developed to help managers make informed decisions related to the reuse of treated wastewater in agricultural irrigation. The framework involves the identification and evaluation of the short- and long-term effects of using treated wastewater with some common constituents of concern (e.g. salts and some specific ions, nutrients, heavy metals, organic compounds, and microorganisms) on the environmental elements (crop, soils, surface water, and groundwater), and on the public health. Local and/ or international standards, criteria, and guidelines related to agricultural reuse are applied to the evaluation of the effects. Based on the evaluation …

Bie6300 - Irrigation & Conveyance Control Systems, Spring 2004, Gary P. Merkley

Biological and Irrigation Engineering - OCW

This is a course regarding measurement of flow rates and water levels. Calibration, design, and selection of open-channel flow measurement structures. Design of irrigation conveyance and distribution system infrastructure.

Bie6810 - Biochemical Engineering, Spring 2004, Ron Sims

Biological and Irrigation Engineering - OCW

Biochemical processes, thermodynamics, and kinetics are used in the application of engineering principles to analyze, design, and develop processes using biocatalysts. Processes covered in the course include those that are involved in the formation of desirable compounds and products or in the transformation, or destruction of unwanted or toxic substances.

Bie6150 - Surface Irrigation Design, Spring 2004, Wynn Walker

Biological and Irrigation Engineering - OCW

This course was originally developed for the United States Department of Agriculture. It contains nearly 20 video lecture presentations with accompanying slides in English, Arabic, and French, an online textbook, homework assignments, and downloadable surface irrigation simulation software also developed by Dr. Walker. This course highlights design and evaluation of surface irrigation systems, field measurements for evaluating and improving uniformity and efficiency, simulation of surface systems, and land leveling computation and equipment. Note: The simulation software is designed to run on a PC only.

Bie6110 - Sprinkle & Trickle Irrigation, Fall 2003, Gary P. Merkley

Biological and Irrigation Engineering - OCW

This is a course regarding technical design and evaluation of pressurized agricultural irrigation systems, including system layout, pipe sizing, water applicator selection, pumping system hydraulics, water filtration requirements, and water application uniformity and efficiency.

The Fate And Disposition Of Metolachlor And 2, 4-D Under Irrigated Corn And Turf, Ghassan R. Musharrafieh, Richard C. Peralta, Robert W. Hill, Howard M. Deer

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

A field lysimeter experiment was conducted during the summers of 1993 and 1994, at the River Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. The intent was to study the fate and disposition of metolachlor and 2,4-D in a one dimensional soil system. Metolachlor was applied to corn and 2,4-D was applied to turf. The mobility, persistence, and degradation of these herbicides were investigated in the field lysimeters using four irrigation treatment levels on corn and two irrigation levels on turf. The four irrigation levels applied to corn were 0, 30, 60, and 120 percent of potential evapotranspiration. The two irrigation levels …

Optimizing Irrigation Management For Pollution Control And Sustainable Crop Yield, Ghassan R. Musharrafieh, Richard C. Peralta, Ronald J. Hanks, Lynn M. Dudley

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Irrigation strategies which maximize crop yield while maintaining target salt concentration in the root zone and/or prevent salt from leaching to the groundwater are computed using a nonlinear, one dimensional, simulation/optimization management model. The included constraint equations maintain a water volume balance and salt transport in the unsaturated zone. Utilized are implicit finite difference forms of the nonlinear, unsteady, unsaturated water flow equation (Richards's equation), and the diffusion-convection solute transport equation. Other constraints include nonlinear functions describing the hydraulic properties of the medium (hydraulic conductivity as a function of matric potential, volumetric water content as a function of matric potential, …

Review Of Planning Distribution Model (Pdm) Status And Application Possibilities For The Egyptian Irigation System, Robert W. Hill, Richard C. Peralta, Gary P. Merkley

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The comprehensive water management Planning Distribution Model, or PDM, was developed by the Biological and Irrigation Engineering Department, Utah State University (USU), under contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). Most of the work was carried out in the Planning Sector, Ministry of Public Works and Water Resources (MPWWR) , in Cairo, under the Planning Studies and Models Component of the USAID funded Irrigation Management Systems Project.

Optimizing Irrigation Management For Pollution Control And Sustainable Crop Yield, G. R. Musharrafieh, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

We developed a simulation-optimization model which maximizes crop yield while maintaining target salt concentration in the root zone, and/ or preventing salt from leaching to the groundwater. The model performs nonlinear optimization and simulation. Implicit finite difference forms of the nonlinear, transient, unsaturated water flow equation, and the convection-diffusion equation are embedded as constraints. Other constraints include nonlinear functions describing the hydraulic properties of the medium. The objectives of the management model is to develop irrigation strategies which prevent salt leaching to the groundwater when salty irrigation water is used. Five different irrigation strategies are developed for Huntington Research Farm, …

Candi (Chemical And Irrigation Management) Users Manual, Vs 2.0., A. H. Aly, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

This manual describes an interactive computer model, CANOl. CANOl is a decision support tool designed to aid in on-farm pesticides and irrigation management. CANOl simulates downward chemical movement through the soil in response to different irrigation practices. CANOl estimates the relative amount of a non-polar organic chemical which remains in the soil profile by the time it reaches a specified depth. Future releases of CANOl will involve the management of different types of chemicals. CANOl is also able to delineate the wellhead protection areas for domestic wells. For this purpose, CANOl involves USEPA's model (MWCAP). Different versions of CANOl handle …

Best Management Of Pesticide And Irrigation Application Systems: Background And Candi Software, Alaa H. Aly, Richard C. Peralta, Howard M. Deer

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

In this chapter, we discuss a commonly-used volume balance approach for simulating the movement of water through the root zone. We then show how this approach can be coupled with pesticide leaching prediction. Finally we show how information about irrigation system design can be used with the previous processes. The result is an integrated approach for estimating the environmental consequences of irrigation and pesticide management.

Sprinkler Irrigation-Pesticide Best Management Systems, A. Y. Ranjha, Richard C. Peralta, Robert W. Hill, A. M. Requena, Howard M. Deer, M. Ehteshami

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The relative reduction in potential groundwater contamination due to pesticides at several sites in Utah was determined by comparing alternative irrigation system designs, water management practices, and pesticides. Alternative sprinkler irrigation distribution coefficients were used to estimate irrigation application depths. The movement of pesticides through soils following sprinkler irrigations was simulated with a one-dimensional model. Pesticide contamination of groundwater can be reduced by careful selection of pesticides, using properly designed irrigation systems, and improved water management techniques. Procedures for selecting an appropriate sprinkler system design and pesticide are presented. KEYWORDS. Pesticides, Leaching, Sprinkler irrigation, Irrigation depth, Irrigation system design, Soil, …

Optimal Management Of Irrigation And Vadose Zone Pesticide Transport, M. A. Hegazy, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

A management model is developed for maximizing crop yield while avoiding unacceptable pesticide leaching. Utilized constraint equations: maintain a soil moisture volume balance, describe downward pesticide transport, and limit the amount of pesticide reaching groundwater. The reported optimization model is the first which includes unsaturated zone pesticide transport. It is designed to help prevent nonpoint-source contamination of shallow groundwater aquifers. The model computes optimal irrigation amounts for given soil, crop, chemical, and climate data and irrigation frequencies. The model is tested for different irrigation scenarios. The modeling approach is promising as a tool to aid developing environmentally sound agricultural production …

Effects Of Alternative Sprinkler Irrigation Parameters On Pesticide Movement, Ahmad Yar Ranjha, Richard C. Peralta, Robert W. Hill, Antonio Maria Requena, Howard M. Deer, Majid Ehteshami

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The relative reduction in potential ground-water contamination due to pesticides at several sites in Utah was determined by comparing alternative irrigation system designs, water management practices and pesticides. Alternative sprinkler irrigation distribution coefficients were used to estimate infiltration depths. The movement of pesticides through soils following sprinkler irrigations was simulated with one-dimensional model. Pesticide contamination of ground water can be reduced by careful selection of pesticides, properly designed irrigation systems and improved water management techniques. Procedures for selecting an appropriate sprinkler design and pesticide are presented.

Effects Of Alternative Furrow Irrigation Parameters On Pesticide Movement In Cropped Areas In Utah, Antonio Maria Requena, Ahmad Yar Ranjha, Richard C. Peralta, Howard M. Deer, Majid Ehteshami, Robert W. Hill

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Production of adequate supplies of food and fiber currently requires that pesticides be used to limit crop losses caused by insects, pathogens, weeds and other pests. Although pesticides are necessary in today' s agriculture, they can be a serious problem if they reach and contaminate ground water, especially where drinking water needs are met by ground water. The relative reduction of potential ground-water contamination due to agricultural use of pesticides was analyzed for particular sites in Utah. The potential reduction of pesticides in ground water was considered by utilizing alternative irrigation systems, water management practices and pesticides. A one-dimensional simulation …

Design And Field Layout Of Irrigation Flow Measuring Devices In The River-Lab At Utah State University, Abelardo M. Arriaran

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The purpose of this report was to develop a design and field layout of irrigation flow measuring devices in a design channel in teh River-Laboratory at Utah State University. This study was conducted considering a maximum discharge of 3.5 cfs and the profile of the channel in the selected area. Four kinds of flow measuring devices to be installed in series one after another were considered: a Parshall flume, a broad-creasted weir, a cutthroat flume, and the rectangular sharp-crested weir. The locations given are based on the hydraulic conditions for each device, the available head, the head loss that each …

Economic Feasibility Of On‑Farm Reservoirs For Irrigation Water, Robert N. Shulstad, Jayson K. Harper, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Improvement Of Deep Tubewell Irrigation Project Performance In Bangladesh, Md. Mirjahan Miah

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A computer model for use in predicting the impact of various improvement options on command area expansion of a deep tubewell irrigation system has been developed. A field study was conducted on 11 selected deep tubewells located at two sites, namely Dhamrai and Thakurgaon, in Bangladesh to collect necessary physical data to provide irrigation engineering insight and a basis for testing and application of the model. The results of the investigation revealed that the actual discharge of most of the deep tubewells was lower than the design or rated capacity. The duration of pump operation in the majority of the …