Engineering Commons^™

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

Assessment Of Potential Irrigation Water Needs In The Bayou Meto Watershed, Richard C. Peralta, Paul W. Dutram

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Potential Use Of Arkansas River Water For Irrigation In The Plum Bayou Watershed, Richard C. Peralta, Paul W. Dutram

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Estimated Potential Water Needs For The Eastern Grand Prairie Region By Irrigation Scheduling, Richard C. Peralta, Paul W. Dutram, Paul Killian

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Prepare maps showing the annual, monthly and peak weekly volume of irrigation water required in each 3 mile by 3 mile cell of the study area for the selected cropping pattern. Maps are presented for "average" and "dry" climatological conditions.

Farm Irrigation System Evaluation: A Guide For Management, John L. Merriam, Jack Keller

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

This manual describes and explains detailed procedures for field evaluation of the performance of several types of sprinkle, surface, and trickle (drip) irrigation systems and of management practices. Most chapters include lists of equipment needed for performing these evaluations, give step-by-step instructions for gathering data in the field, show sample forms for recording and organizing these field data, and present sample studies that demonstrate the entire process. The book includes analyses and recommendations for a few actual case studies.

The introduction states and explains the general concepts of uniformity, efficiency, and management that are used in evaluating each system and …

The Effects On Agriculture In Utah Of Water Transfers To Oil Shale Development, B. Delworth Gardner, Kenneth S. Lyon, Roger O. Tew

Reports

In Part I the institutional factors affecting water distribution in the Upper Colorado River Basin in general and specifically the Uintah Basin are presented. The historical development of the appropriation doctrine of water allocation is outlined and Utah water policy is examined. These institutional factors are analyzed in light of the prototype oil shale development in the Uintah Basin and potential impact on the area's agricultural sector. Oil shale water estimates are compared with Uintah Basin water availability and examined with regard to population projections and municipal water use. Lastly, Utah water policy and the appropriation doctrine are viewed as …

Disposal Alternatives For Intermittent Sand Filter Scrapings Utilization And Sand Recovery, Jerry T. Elliott, Daniel S. Filip, James H. Reynolds

Reports

A three phase study is used to develop disposal alternatives and cost analysis for algae laden sand scrapings removed from intermittent sand filters used to polish wastewater lagoon effluent. Phase I, Irrigation Technique, explores the feasibility of supplying sufficient water to sand scrapings to leach out entrapped material. Details of removal with amount of water applied are presented. Phase II, Soil Application, tests with lysimeters soil response to application of the algae laden sand material. Physical and chemical parameters are not markedly altered where algae laden sand is applied to the soil surface. Phase III, Plant Bioassays, grew tall fescue …

Multiple Uses Of Utah Irrigation Canals: Cache County As A Case Study, James J. Kennedy, Komain Unhanand

Reports

Irrigation use is an obvious benefit of Utah canals that has been recognized for over 100 years. This study attempts to illustrate other, less obvious, uses. the major use examined was recreational, but canals are presently functioning as storm drainage systems and have potential for diverting flood crests in many river systems.

Recreational use of canals falls into two categories. There is passive use such as its landscape values, affects on creating shade and bird-wildlife habitat, etc., that is difficult to quantify but no less important than active canal use such as tubing, hiking, bank-play, bicycling, etc. We selected several …

Modifications To Gate-Flume Structures On The Weber Davis Canal, Gaylord V. Skogerboe, M. Leon Hyatt

Reports

The turnout structures under study divert flows from the Weber-Davis Canal near Clearfield, Utah. A portion of the canal in this area was realigned as a result of the construction of the Interstate Highway System. The twin turnout structures, used to divert water to the West Branch Irrigation Company and West Layton Irrigation Company, were constructed in conjunction with the realignment of the concrete -lined canal.

A three-dimensional drawing of the twin turnout structures is shown in Fig. 1. Water is diverted from the canal by passing under the discharge diverted through each of the structures is approximately 35 cfs …