When to use this calculator
Account for an assumed application efficiency in a water-depth budget. Efficiency is an entered assumption; local crop and soil conditions determine an appropriate net depth.
Explore the irrigation & applied water calculators for other questions in this topic. For a related calculation, use the Irrigation Runtime Calculator: Find watering duration from a water-volume target and flow rate.
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
Irrigation Gross Depth: a worked example
The values below are an illustrative example, not a recommendation. Replace them with measurements or assumptions that match your question.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Net selected water depth (mm) | 10 |
| Application efficiency (%) | 80 |
| Result | 12.5 mm |
- Check the input labels and enter the example values above.
- Apply the relationship: Gross depth = net depth/(efficiency/100).
- The result is 12.5 mm, rounded for display.
How to interpret your result
Efficiency is an entered assumption; local crop and soil conditions determine an appropriate net depth.
A water-budget conversion does not establish the crop’s requirement. Use measured flow and effective rainfall where possible. Distribution losses and runoff can make gross application differ from water retained in the root zone.
Frequently asked questions
Does one millimetre of rain equal one litre?
It equals one litre over each square metre of collection area. Total volume therefore depends on both depth and area.
When is the irrigation gross depth calculator useful?
Account for an assumed application efficiency in a water-depth budget. Efficiency is an entered assumption; local crop and soil conditions determine an appropriate net depth.
How do I use the irrigation gross depth calculator?
Enter net selected water depth (mm), application efficiency (%). The result updates automatically. Use the units shown beside each input; the example values illustrate the method.
Which formula does this calculator use?
Gross depth = net depth/(efficiency/100).
What should I check before using the result?
Efficiency is an entered assumption; local crop and soil conditions determine an appropriate net depth.
How are results rounded?
Scalar numbers display up to six decimal places, with scientific notation for very large or small values. Text, fraction, date and schedule outputs use the format described on the tool. Intermediate calculations use JavaScript floating-point arithmetic. Keep sensible precision for your measurements.
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