Irrigation Rate Calculator
Calculate irrigation application rate (inches per hour) using pump flow rate and acres irrigated.
Inputs
How It Works
Convert GPM to gallons per hour:
GPH = GPM × 60
Inches per Hour = GPH ÷ (Acres × 27,154)
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FAQ
What is irrigation application rate?
Irrigation rate measures how many inches of water are applied per hour.
Why calculate inches per hour?
Inches per hour helps match irrigation delivery to soil infiltration rates.
What happens if rate is too high?
Excessive rates can cause runoff and reduced irrigation efficiency.
Understanding Irrigation Application Rate
Irrigation application rate measures how quickly water is applied to a field, typically expressed in inches per hour. Proper irrigation rate management ensures water infiltrates into the soil profile without runoff or deep percolation losses.
By converting pump flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) into gallons per hour and dividing by acres irrigated, producers can determine irrigation depth applied per hour. This allows comparison to soil infiltration rates and helps prevent surface water loss.
Using an irrigation rate calculator improves system efficiency, reduces water waste, and supports better crop water management. Combined with evapotranspiration and scheduling tools, irrigation rate calculations optimize water use and protect long-term soil health.