Variables
Description
What is this formula?
Irrigation Efficiency measures the percentage of supplied irrigation water that is beneficially used by the crop.
When to use it
Use this formula to evaluate irrigation system performance, identify water losses, compare irrigation methods, and improve water management practices.
Example
Given:
Ws = 1200 m³
Wb = 900 m³
Formula:
Ei = (Wb / Ws) × 100
Substitution:
Ei = (900 / 1200) × 100
Ei = 75%
Result:
The irrigation efficiency is 75%.
Applications
- Irrigation system evaluation
- Water conservation programs
- Agricultural water audits
- Comparison of irrigation methods
- Irrigation modernization projects
Note
Irrigation efficiency is a performance indicator rather than a physical law. Different organizations may define efficiency using slightly different criteria, such as conveyance efficiency, application efficiency, distribution efficiency, or overall project efficiency.
For meaningful comparisons, the same efficiency definition should be used consistently across evaluations.
Modern drip irrigation systems often achieve efficiencies above 90%, while surface irrigation systems may operate at significantly lower values depending on field conditions and management practices.