Journal of the Irrigation and Drainage Division · 1967 · 19 citations · 0 references
AgricultureHydrologyWater Resources ManagementCropping SystemsIrrigation EngineeringIrrigation ManagementEvapotranspiration EstimationIrrigated Cropping SystemsIrrigationIrrigation EfficiencyIrrigation SystemsWater-use EfficiencyCrop Canopy ManagementEfficient Irrigation ManagementEvapotranspirationEvapotranspiration-based IrrigationEvapotranspiration-based Irrigation ManagementFresh Water SystemsIrrigation Efficiency AnalysisMeteorological Forcing
Irrigated agriculture is and has been the largest user of fresh water, but it also has been accused of being an inefficient and uneconomical user. A major part of the water used by irrigated agriculture is vaporized (evapotranspiration), in contrast to other uses that do not “consume” water. Evapotranspiration is largely controlled by meteorological conditions when adequate water is provided, and a full crop canopy exists.