A Revised Equation of Water Application Efficiency in a Center Pivot System Used in Crop Rotation in No Tillage

Correctly quantifying total losses of irrigation in a center pivot system is important for improving application management and efficiency (Ea). The equations usually used to estimate Ea sprinkler systems do not consider certain aspects, such as height sprinklers relative crop height, leaf interception (LI) tall-growing crops or partial residue retention (PRR). aim this study was incorporate these components into new equation adapted the system. trials were conducted corn grown under no tillage Córdoba, Argentina. To determine distribution uniformity (DUpa), 96 catch cans arranged at spacing 3 m, with similar discharge flow from five towers (27.8 ha) grouped together. Four depths (40, 24, 12 6 mm) evaluated different phenological stages, well control condition without crop. Twenty-eight measurements taken, DUpa statistically compared respect applied stages impact on yield. For 11 segments, intensity between 5.7 77.4 mm h−1, ranged very good excellent (85 90%) but decreased significantly growth. Neither intensities nor influenced up V10, when it depth. had an effect yield, decreasing 18 14 ton ha−1 largest (5 m). PRR LI adjusted, revised obtained.