Thesis

Modelling the rainfall interception process as part of a dynamic water balance approach to irrigation scheduling

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 1985
Thesis identifier
  • T5276
Qualification Level
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Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • The hydrological process of rainfall interception by vegetation is fully described. Two models are used to simulate the interception loss. A Linear Regression Model expresses the relationship between interception and gross rainfall in linear terms. Its use is thus limited to site-specific seasonal or annual determinations of interception loss. The Deterministic Model calculates the water balance of a vegetation canopy, during the rainfall event, on a continuous basis. This model takes into account such dynamic variables as rainfall duration and intensity, canopy density and meteorological factors controlling evaporation and transpiration. An example is used to illustrate the model. Interception is seen to increase in response to reduced rainfall intensity and increasing potential evaporation. Irrigation scheduling is achieved through a dynamic soil water balance model. Daily meteorological and crop-characteristic variables are inputs to the model. The evaporative and trans- piratory losses are calculated each day and the cumulative loss indicates the date at which the soil water content reaches wilting point. The amount of water needed to wet the soil back to field capacity is thus the desired irrigation water. The processes of evaporation and transpiration from the soil are treated separately and are discussed in full. The model is applied to an example to illustrate its potential and versatility.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Fleming, George
Resource Type
DOI

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