Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for distributing irrigation water relatively evenly along a furrow. Irrigation water is first advanced down the furrow during an advance phase. In one preferred embodiment, the advance phase comprises a cyclic on/off procedure to cyclically advance the water towards the bottom end of the furrow. After the advance phase has been completed, irrigation water is supplied to the head of the furrow during an infiltration phase which employs a cyclic on/off procedure. The on/off cycles of the infiltration phase are shorter than the on/off cycles of the advance phase, and are repeated a predetermined number of times in order to supply a predetermined amount of irrigation water to the furrow. Apparatus comprising control means for administering such furrow irrigation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for distributing irrigation water relatively evenly along a furrow. Irrigation water is first advanced down the furrow during an advance phase so as to form a wetted surface at the bottom of the furrow. In one preferred embodiment, the advance phase comprises a cyclic on/off procedure to cyclically advance the wetted surface towards the bottom end of the furrow. After the advance phase has been completed, irrigation water is supplied to the head end of the furrow during an infiltration phase which employs a cyclic on/off procedure. The on/off cycles of the infiltration phase are substantially shorter than the on/off cycles of the advance phase, and are repeated a predetermined number of times in order to supply a predetermined amount of irrigation water to the furrow. Apparatus comprising control means for administering such furrow irrigation methods are also disclosed.