The video describes the common lack of formalised flow measurement procedures and the difficulties faced by irrigation managers who need to rapidly evaluate information from the field. It illustrates how operation and management procedures may be improved through the adoption of regular measuring and monitoring procedures and describes the use of a computer program to store and process a range of water management data. An explanation of calibration procedures by current metering is also given.

The video, which runs for 25 minutes, is intended as a training resource for groups involved in the operation and maintenance of irrigation schemes as well as those concerned with irrigation research and development.

Soil erosion measurement - a drainage basin approach
In many tropical countries fragile soils are often severely eroded by heavy rains.

This video shows how erosion can be controlled through a variety of soil conservation measures, and how it is possible to assess the relative benefits by using accurate field measurement techniques. It demonstrates this with a study carried out in Malawi, to quantify soil loss from areas subjected to different conservation techniques.

The video describes the causes of soil erosion and

The video, which runs for 25 minutes, is intended to be integrated into existing training courses but will also be of interest to engineers, agriculturists and researchers.

Sediment discharge measurement
Engineers and planners, while becoming more aware of the effects of sediment, are frequently unfamiliar with, and unsure of, the techniques available to measure sediment discharge in rivers and canals. The video illustrates field measurement techniques developed by the Overseas Development Unit of HR Wallingford, and explains their theoretical basis. The video shows a range of problems caused by excessive sediment in rivers and canals and illustrates the effects of particle size on sediment transport and deposition. A field technique to quantify the sediment load in a river is then shown. The video concludes by showing how the successful and accurate measurement of sediment discharge over several years can provide planners and designers with information on which to base the construction of new irrigation schemes and river structures.

The video runs for 14 minutes and is intended to be integrated into existing training courses. It will also be of interest to engineers, agriculturists and researchers.