Suraj Lamichhane, Hari Prasad Paudel and Nirajan Devkota*
In this study an overall efficiency of Manushmara Irrigation System, Sarlahi, Nepal is assessed and evaluated with respect to the existing physical environment and irrigation practices. Conveyance and application efficiency are estimated utilizing information from field measurement employing calibrated current meter, soil moisture sensor meter and double ring infiltrometer. The average infiltration rate was found as 6.08 mm/hr. which is moderately low rate generally prevailing in clay loam soil. Conveyance efficiency for network of branch canal system is 67% while that for main canal is 76%. Overall conveyance efficiency for the irrigation system is 51% and Irrigation water application efficiency for the system is 47%. Therefore overall efficiency of the Manushmara Irrigation System is 35.7% which is below average for indicated value for surface irrigation system. It clearly indicates that the water diverted from the source river is not optimally utilized by the irrigation system and needs improvement in to prevent conveyance and application losses of irrigation water. In Nepalese context where majority of irrigation system are surface irrigation system, Evaluation of system efficiency of an irrigation system is important to indicate functional status of the system in terms of utilization of water which help planners and decision makers to take necessary action for the improved performance of the irrigation system.
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Irrigation & Drainage Systems Engineering received 835 citations as per Google Scholar report
