What is calculated in a catchment test?

The catchment test is specifically designed to evaluate the uniformity of water distribution across a designated area. During this test, catch cans are placed throughout the irrigation zone to collect water during a timed irrigation event. The amount of water collected in each can is measured to assess how evenly the water is being applied across different sections of the area.

Uniformity of distribution is crucial because it determines how effectively the irrigation system is delivering water. If certain areas receive significantly more or less water, it can lead to inefficiencies and potentially harm plant health. Therefore, understanding the uniformity of water distribution helps in optimizing the irrigation system for better performance and plant growth.

While there may be other factors relevant to irrigation systems, such as pressure loss or the size of components like catch cans, they do not specifically relate to the uniformity of water being assessed in a catchment test. This focus on water distribution is vital for effective irrigation management.