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<br />field that is easier to manage and this effect is reflected in the computer- <br /> <br />ized irrigation analyses. Also, a common practice among most farmers is to <br /> <br />irrigate in multiples of twelve hours per set. This practice was used 1n <br /> <br />the computerized analysis. <br /> <br />IRMA analyzed the effects of present irrigation practices to establish <br /> <br />a base for recommending improvements and for measuring the effects of those <br /> <br />improvements. It should be noted that results from evaluating present <br /> <br />conditions are conservatively stated. The IRMA procedure contains no basis <br /> <br />for considering effects of unleveled fields or of inaccuracy in water mea- <br /> <br />surement. Therefore, present deep percolation losses may be somewhat higher <br /> <br />than indicated because of imprecise measurement of water and" the lack of <br /> <br />uniform water application on unleveled fields. <br /> <br />Elements of the computerized analysis consist of two levels of struc- <br /> <br />tural improvement, three levels of irrigation analysis, and two options for <br /> <br />irrigation management. <br /> <br />Levels of structural improvement include minimum and <br /> <br />total improvements in <br /> <br />existing ir~tion systems. Adding semi-automated <br /> <br />improvementJrevel created a third level of structural <br /> <br />controls to the total <br /> <br />improvement. <br /> <br />Three levels of improvement are shown 1n Table 11-2. Variables used 1n <br /> <br />the computerized analysis of these levels for improving irrigation water <br /> <br />management also are shown 1n Table 11-2 and consist of: (1) determining the <br /> <br />time of set to the closest multiple of three hours as the time needed to <br /> <br />apply the desired amount of water to the field during each irrigation using <br /> <br />present flow rates and field layout; (2) determining the time of set to the <br /> <br />closest multiple of twelve hours, determining the flow rate per furrow to <br /> <br />the closest multiple of three gallons per minute and combining fields where <br /> <br />desired by the landowner to determine the recommended time of set and flow <br /> <br />rate needed for the desired application during each irrigation. <br />"...~ <br /> <br />II-7 <br /> <br />ats <br />~. <br /> <br />\'llO <br />