How is head pressure expressed when measuring irrigation systems?

Head pressure in irrigation systems is expressed in feet of head because this measurement directly relates to the height of water that can be effectively delivered by a pump or gravity-fed system. The term "head" refers to the potential energy of water due to its elevation, and it plays a crucial role in determining how water will flow through an irrigation system.

When discussing feet of head, it is critical to understand that this unit gives a clear indication of the vertical distance that water can be raised. For example, a pump that can deliver water at a height of 20 feet of head has the capacity to push water upwards to that level against gravitational forces. This measurement is not only straightforward but also provides a practical way to evaluate and compare the performance of different irrigation systems, especially when considering the elevation of the land and the required outlet pressure.

Using feet of head allows irrigators to easily calculate the amount of energy required to move water throughout a system and helps in designing systems that can effectively deliver water to crops at the necessary pressures for optimal irrigation. This makes it an essential concept in the study and management of irrigation systems.