Irrigation Meter Calculator

Irrigation Meter Calculator

This app calculates the number of inches of water applied by irrigation over a given time. Begin by selecting the type of measurement unit used by your irrigation flow meter. The units are usually located just below the rolling numbers (like the odometer on your car).

Next, note the meter reading at the beginning of a time period (for example, when you turn the irrigation motor on) and at the end (for example, when the pivot has completed a circle). Enter only the numbers visible on the totalizer (rolling numbers, no decimals). If your meter totalizer has rolled over, you may need to enter a 1 in front of the ending reading to make the calculations work.

The app will calculate the amount of water applied to the given field over the given time period.

 

For more information

See these UNL Extension resources: UNL Water Website and CropWatch Website.

Disclaimer

This tool is for educational purposes only. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln takes no responsibility for the use of this tool or its accuracy. The user of this product assumes all responsibility and risk for data entry and accuracy. If your fields are under an NRD allocation, consult your local NRD for final calculations.


Formulas Used for Calculations

Meter Reading in Gallons x 100

Water Pumped, Ac-In = (Ending Meter Reading - Beginning Meter Reading) x 100/27154

Divide by acres in field to get inches applied per acre

Meter Reading in Gallons x 1000

Water Pumped, Ac-In = (Ending Meter Reading - Beginning Meter Reading) x 1000/27154

Divide by acres in field to get inches applied per acre

Meter Reading in Acre-Feet x .001

Water Pumped, Ac-In = (Ending Meter Reading - Beginning Meter Reading) x 12/1000

Divide by acres in field to get inches applied per acre

Meter Reading in Acre-Feet x .01

Water Pumped, Ac-In = (Ending Meter Reading - Beginning Meter Reading) x 12/100

Divide by acres in field to get inches applied per acre

Meter Reading in Acre-Inches x .01

Water Pumped, Ac-In = (Ending Meter Reading - Beginning Meter Reading)/100

Divide by acres in field to get inches applied per acre

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